Question
I have a mountain laurel that is approximately 20 years old. It is located in the south east corner of my house. I have pruned it into a beautiful shape that is approximately five feet tall and four feet wide. It is obviously suffering from over exposure as every year the leaves turn yellow and the flowers are minimal. I would like to move it to the north side of my house where is will get partial morning sun. How should I go about this. Can you help me with the directions on transplanting it. Thank you for your time in this matter.
Sincerely,
Susan  

Answer
Susa,
Moving a plant that big will not be easy. I would recommend that you wait until the fall before attempting to move it. Once the weather begins to cool down, then you will need to sever the root system about 2-3 feet from the main stem. This will define the root ball that will be needed for re-establishment. The trick is going to be digging under this and trying to preserve the integrity of the root ball, while lifting it out of the hole and transporting it to the new site(that should be prepared beforehand).
While replanting the Laurel, add some mycchorizal innoculants to help the root system reestablish itself more rapidly and keep it well watered, until the first frost. I would refrain from pruning it for at least 2 years to help the plant strengthen itself.  
Do not fertilize it for the first year, but do keep it well watered.