This being a witch hazel relation I wonder just how easy these really are to move, once they have rooted out well. I definitely wouldn't try it at this time of the year, with new spring top growth about to commence or already underway, and summer heat coming.

Cutting back the top would just be to make them easier to handle - it is of no benefit to the plant. And you will still have to dig huge root balls as these are evergreen shrubs that are not likely to respond well to being bare-rooted - otherwise the preferable approach, as you want to get as much root as possible when transplanting established woody plants.

are you really prepared to dig a 2 to 3 foot ball .. and move that couple hundred pounds ...

i would spend a few dollars and go buy new babes... and save the back surgery.. and cut these flush to the ground and kill the stump ...

no matter how far you cut them back ... you still need that big a ball of roots ...

its all about timing... when the timing is right.. cut it to about two feet.. move it.. and be done with it ...

if its still dormant.. and you insist.. do it now..

if its broken dormancy.. fall or winter.. depending where you are

i googled such.. 20 bucks... really.. you want to spend 4 or 5 hours digging.. dragging it across the yard ... etc.. for what you can buy for $20???? ... been there.. done that.. it isnt worth the labor...

but if you want to go for.. i applaud you

ken