Question
I just moved into a new house that has nice but overcrowded shrubbery.  I have moved two shrubs to the backyard to give more room for a peris japonica which has been planted too close to the house.  However I would hate to destroy the shrub as it looks very healthy.
It is about four foot tall.  The soil is very nice, rich with a lot of sand about  6 inches down.  The lower stems are about two inches around.

I live in northern Ohio.  Is there a best way to dig this up and move it forward about two feet?  

Answer
Hi, J. Kelly.
 It is a great time to move shrubs, as even the evergreens are somewhat dormant during the winter months. I think you will find the pieris japonica transplants well. Since you have had success moving other shrubs, you know it is important to dig a good, solid root ball. I find that the sharper your shovel is, the less damage you will do when digging up the plant. You mention your soil is sandy and I think that is good, especially with pieris japonica as they are susceptible to root rot in tight, poorly-drained soils. Keep this in mind and don't replant your shrub too deep. Make sure you keep your plant watered well next Spring and you should have no problems. I would NOT recommend adding any fertilizer to the newly transplanted shrub at this time. After it reroots next year, you might want to give it a shot of a good, all-purpose fertilizer in early Summer. In our nursery, we use OSMOCOTE 18-6-12. Another good slow-release fertilizer is STA-GREEN.
Good Luck,  Doug Roberson