Site Considerations

• The new site conditions should be considered prior to moving the tree. Make sure the soil type (clay, loam or sand), soil pH, sun exposure level and drainage capabilities are suitable for the tree species. Allow ample room for root and crown growth. Avoid planting large trees too close to utility lines, sidewalks, streets and buildings.
  
  

Site Preparation

• The hole at the new location should be dug and prepared prior to removing the tree. It should be two times as wide as the root structure on the tree. Estimate the root structure size based on the trunk size. For each inch of tree trunk there should be one foot of width in the root ball and 6 inches of depth.
  
  Clay soil tends to glaze when the hole is dug. The sides of the hole become smooth and compacted from the action of the shovel sliding across it. A spade or hand rake should be used to rough up the sides of the hole to facilitate root and moisture penetration.
  
  

Tree Preparation

• Water the tree two or three days before moving day if conditions are dry. Mark the north side of the tree so that it can be planted in the same orientation in the new location.
  
  

Removal

• A sharp spade should be used to dig up the tree so that severed roots are cut cleanly. Trees with a trunk diameter under 1 inch may be dug and moved either with a dirt root ball or bare root. Trees that have a larger trunk should be moved with the soil on the roots. A 15- to 24-inch deep trench should be dug around large trees to facilitate access to the bottom of the root structure. The roots should be cleanly cut all the way around and underneath the tree prior to lifting. Cover the root ball or bare roots right away with burlap and keep them moist until the tree is replanted. Cover the burlap with a plastic tarp and take precautions to keep the roots moist if the tree is to be transported.
  
  

Replanting

• Fill the hole with water and allow it to soak in prior to replanting. Rough up the soil on the root ball if it is hard clay that was glazed.
  Set the tree into the prepared hole and make sure the previously marked side of the tree is facing north. Fill the hole, carefully pushing it under and around the roots. The soil should not be amended as this will encourage the tree to keep its roots within the amended soil rather than spreading into the surrounding area. Pack the dirt down by hand while filling.
  Water the tree right after planting and once per week---in the absence of rain---for at least one year. The replanted tree should receive 1 inch of water each week, either from rain or watering.