Expert: Jim Hyland - 11/9/2006

Question
I would like to move a pine tree from one part of my backyard to another.
I have never done this before.
Any advise is appreciated.
Thank you for your help.

Answer
The main problem with transplanting trees is to dig a large enough root ball so the tree can survive. The root ball should be 12 inches wide for every inch of trunk diameter and 6 inches deep for each inch of trunk diameter ( a 2 inch tree needs a root ball 24 inches wide and 12 inches deep). The next thing is to dig the new ho;e twice the size of the root ball and fill the excess with good top soil and mulch the area around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of mulch. Care should be taken when moving the root ball to keep as much of the soil in place. Depending on the size of the tree this can be a heavy root ball. After planting water and it should do ok. The best time to do this is early spring before the leaves begin to but out.