Begin preparations in the spring to move junipers.
Juniper (Juniperus communis) is a deciduous plant with sharp green foliage and a thin dark brown bark that cracks easily. Suitable for use in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 7, juniper shrubs are available in several varieties, including upright and low growing. Juniper shrubs are used as ground cover, foundation plantings, on hillsides for erosion control and as specimen plantings. Moving a mature juniper should be done in the fall.
Measure the limb spread of the juniper in the spring of the year to prepare for moving the plant in the fall. Wear gloves to help protect hands while working with juniper.
Tie up the branches of the juniper with string to hold them out of the way when working. Take the average length of the branches and divide in half to determine the size of the root ball to dig. For example, if the average limb length is 24 inches, then the root ball should be dug 12 to 14 inches from the trunk and 12 to 14 inches deep.
Prune the roots by digging around the plant in a circle with the shovel. Dig at a 45-degree angle toward the plant. Tamp the soil back into place around the plant and water.
Dig the plant in the fall for moving. Dig along the same circle that was used to prune the roots in the spring. Dig a hole twice as large as the root ball in the location where the plant will be moved. Add one part peat moss to two to three parts soil to help loosen compacted soil.
Place an old sheet on the ground. Pull the root ball from the ground and place on the sheet. Move the juniper to the new location. Place the juniper root ball in the center of the hole. Adjust the height so the top of the root ball is level or just above ground level.
Fill around the root ball with soil and tamp lightly to remove air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.
Shore, Tara. "How to Move a Mature Juniper." Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/move-mature-juniper-45778.html. Accessed 18 April 2019.