Expert: Jim Hyland - 7/23/2006

Question
Hi Jim,
Thanking you in advance for taking the time to answer my question.
I am writing to you from Northern Virginia. I have a 2 year old Leland Cypress Tree, approximately 7 feet tall which is currently planted up against my house. I am concerned that it is too close to the house and that the roots or branches may cause damage to the house as the tree continues to grow.
Should I attempt transplanting it and if so, are there any special products I should consider using such as root stimulators, fertilizers, etc. and what are the chances of the tree's survival if transplanted?
Thank You,
Gabrielle


Answer
I would transplant it now while it is small but wait until this fall. When the hardwood trees loose their leaves is the best time or wait until early spring. When you dig it up make sure you dig a good size root ball of dirt with it. For this size tree I would come out 18 inches to 2 feet from the trunk and make a circle around the tree and dig this area up with the tree. Dig down about two feet as well. Remove the root ball with soil trying not to break the ball.  Then dig the new hole twice the size of the root ball and as deep as the root ball. Fill the extra space in the hole with a good potting soil and mulch around the tree with not more than two inches of mulch. Do not fertilize the tree fo a year after transplanting. If done properly the survial rate is very high.