How to Dig Honeysuckle

Overview

Honeysuckle comes in a variety of cultivars, including massive vine and shrubs. Both varieties have showy blooms and some have a strong and intoxicating fragrance. However, honeysuckles also have a tendency to spread. In some areas, such as Mississippi and similar southern climates, this can become a major problem. However, with diligence and care, honeysuckle can be a garden delight. No matter if you are looking to move your honeysuckle or rid your landscape of it entirely, learning how to properly dig up the plant is a delicate task that offers gardeners options for taming this rapidly spreading plant.

Step 1

Prune the bulk of the plant. To effectively dig out a honeysuckle plant, it is important to find its roots. Cut the plant all the way back to its original stem. Excess foliage is not necessary for transplant and can actually weaken the plant during its transition from one home to the next. If digging the plant up for extermination, pruning it back will make the overall process easier.

Step 2

Begin digging at least a foot from the original stem. It is important to go far enough away that you gain access to the entire root ball. If a portion of the root is neglected it could sprout new growth in the spring.

Step 3

Close in on the ball. Carefully dig in and under the root system. Once you have loosened the dirt all the way around the root system and under it the root ball can be lifted from the ground.

Step 4

Immediately lift the root ball from the ground and either fill in the hole or transplant another plant into the location. If the honeysuckle is being moved to another location, wrap the root system in burlap and then water thoroughly.