QuestionsHow to growTrees and ShrubsPlantingpruning and moving a black sambucus 0 Vote Up Vote Down Natasha Keogh asked 14 years ago I wish to move my sambucus to a different part of the garden. its growth has been affected by the strong winds of late. should i prune it back very hard and should i do this before or after moving? 1 Answers 0 Vote Up Vote Down Gerry Daly Staff answered 7 years ago Sambucus or elder can be moved when the leaves have fallen. It is no harm to prune the top to balance root loss in lifting.