Expert: Jim Hyland - 4/28/2007

Question
Several years ago I planted two small pine trees close together.  Today they are about 6 and 8 feet respectively. The trees are less than three feet apart and I would like to seperate them.  Is this possible without destroying both trees?

Thanks for your help.

Mike

Answer
It is possible BUT will take a lot of work. Both will have to be dug up and the root systems separated (the roots are more then likely grown inter mingled and will be difficult to separate due to the size of the trees. The root ball of the trees will reach out about the distance as the foliage. This will be better done in the fall after the hardwood have dropped their leaves or very early spring (before the leaves bud out). The pines will have shut down for the winter and they will have a much better chance of survival than if the transplanting was done in the hotter drier months.