Transplanting
Small Trees

Plans change and sometimes a tree needs to be moved from where it currently lives. The smaller the tree, the more successful you'll be in moving it. There are limits to what you personally can do in moving in a tree when it comes to size. One or two people can handle a tree and it's root ball when the diameter of the tree is about 1" - 2". Larger than that and the size of the root ball is so big that you'll need professional help from someone that has the right equipment to dig and move a large root balled tree.

There is always a danger in moving trees from here to there. Inevitably roots and limbs will become damaged. The extent of that damage will determine the odds of the plant surviving the ordeal.

Best times to transplant

Deciduous Trees: Early spring (before growth begins) and fall (after leaf drop) are the best times to transplant deciduous trees.

Evergreens: early spring and late summer (late August to mid-September).

Transplanting Tips

To minimize damage and improve their chance of survival, dig and move trees with balls of soil adhering to portions of their root systems. The soil should be moist when the plant is dug. If the soil is dry, thoroughly water the area several days before digging.

Before digging, wrap up the branches loosely so they are not whipping around. An old sheet and rope works nicely.

Tree Transplanting

When digging, the radius of the root ball should be about 8" - 12" for each inch of trunk diameter at chest height. For example, a 1" diameter trunk should have a soil ball that is 16" - 24" in diameter.

Start by digging a trench around the tree to a depth of 1½' to 2' the width of a shovel. Then carefully cut beneath the roots, rounding the bottom of the soil ball. Tip the soil ball to one side, place a piece of burlap in the trench on the opposite side, then carefully tip or roll the soil ball over onto the burlap. Tightly wrap the burlap around the soil ball and secure the burlap with twine. Move the tree by lifting and carrying the root ball rather than grasping the trunk.

If possible, replant the tree immediately. Dig a hole that is 2 to 3 times the width of the tree's root ball. The depth of the hole should be approximately 1" - 2" less than the height of the soil ball. Carefully lower the tree into the hole, position it correctly, and begin to place soil back into the hole. Firm the soil around the tree's root ball with your hands. When the hole is about two-thirds full, cut and remove the twine around the soil ball. Also, cut away the exposed portion of burlap. Then complete the backfilling of the hole and water thoroughly.

Do not allow the soil ball to break during the digging, moving, and replanting process.

Home gardeners should limit themselves to transplanting trees with a trunk diameter of 2" or less. Trees with a trunk diameter greater than 2" should be moved by an experienced landscape contractor or nursery professional.


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	>>Home > Transplanting Small Trees Plans change and sometimes a tree needs to be moved from where it currently lives. The smaller the tree, the more successful you'll be in moving it. There are limits to what you personally can do in moving in a tree when it comes to size. One or two people can handle a tree and it's root ball when the diameter of the tree is about 1" - 2". Larger than that and the size of the root ball is so big that you'll need professional help from someone that has the right equipment to dig and move a large root balled tree. There is always a danger in moving trees from here to there. Inevitably roots and limbs will become damaged. The extent of that damage will determine the odds of the plant surviving the ordeal. Best times to transplant Deciduous Trees: Early spring (before growth begins) and fall (after leaf drop) are the best times to transplant deciduous trees. Evergreens: early spring and late summer (late August to mid-September). Transplanting Tips To minimize damage and improve their chance of survival, dig and move trees with balls of soil adhering to portions of their root systems. The soil should be moist when the plant is dug. If the soil is dry, thoroughly water the area several days before digging. Before digging, wrap up the branches loosely so they are not whipping around. An old sheet and rope works nicely. When digging, the radius of the root ball should be about 8" - 12" for each inch of trunk diameter at chest height. For example, a 1" diameter trunk should have a soil ball that is 16" - 24" in diameter. Start by digging a trench around the tree to a depth of 1½' to 2' the width of a shovel. Then carefully cut beneath the roots, rounding the bottom of the soil ball. Tip the soil ball to one side, place a piece of burlap in the trench on the opposite side, then carefully tip or roll the soil ball over onto the burlap. Tightly wrap the burlap around the soil ball and secure the burlap with twine. Move the tree by lifting and carrying the root ball rather than grasping the trunk. If possible, replant the tree immediately. Dig a hole that is 2 to 3 times the width of the tree's root ball. The depth of the hole should be approximately 1" - 2" less than the height of the soil ball. Carefully lower the tree into the hole, position it correctly, and begin to place soil back into the hole. Firm the soil around the tree's root ball with your hands. When the hole is about two-thirds full, cut and remove the twine around the soil ball. Also, cut away the exposed portion of burlap. Then complete the backfilling of the hole and water thoroughly. Do not allow the soil ball to break during the digging, moving, and replanting process. Home gardeners should limit themselves to transplanting trees with a trunk diameter of 2" or less. Trees with a trunk diameter greater than 2" should be moved by an experienced landscape contractor or nursery professional.

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Transplanting Small Trees

Best times to transplant

Transplanting Tips

Transplanting
Small Trees