Reply to Safely removing hostas from underneath small Japanese maple

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]You don't have to dig too deep to remove hosta. Now is the ideal time to transplant them as they will recover and look great in the new location. Dig only as deep as the bulb of the root of the hosta(about 3-4 inches down)[/quote]

OMG, no! OP, please don't do this!
GIANT hostas spread roots as far as it's leafs spread (hostas don't have BULBS, they have a crown) shoots roots down from the crown about a shovel deep (at least).

OP, here how you transplant a giant hosta.
If leafs are out and arching already gently bring them in a bunch with a pair of pantyhose or a soft rope , it will preserve them and get them out of your way to work around. 
With a sharp shovel make a vertical cut between the maple and a hosta closer to the hosta - make sure that you don't damage the crown (leafs come out of the crown), cut about 6 - 8 inches away from it. The point is to preserve as many maple tree roots undamaged as possible. As you are moving around the hosta and away from the maple tree, make vertical cuts about 20" away from the hosta crown all the way around. Then go around the hosta again gently lifting it with the shovel and cutting deeper under the crown. Lift the hosta if it doesn't resist, if it resists, identify where and keep cutting with the shovel. Lift it, shake off  excessive soil, plant it in a new location and generously water it every day for about a week.
Restore the damage under the maple tree - add soil to fill the hole left after removing hosta, flatten the ground and tap firm to eliminate air bubbles. 
Water, water, water -- both plants will be pissed for some time.[/quote]

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