How to Transplant Alberta Spruce From the Ground & Not a Pot
- 1). Select a new planting location that receives full sun with well-drained soil. A north or east side of the yard is ideal to prevent drying winter winds from damaging the tree. Make sure the selected area has a 4-foot radius away from structures, starting from the center of the future planting hole. This will allow room for the tree to grow and spread.
- 2). Water the Alberta spruce in its current location deeply two days before removal.
- 3). Remove any dead or diseased branches. Tie low branches with twine to avoid injury to the spruce during the transplanting process.
- 4). Dig a 15- to 24-inch-deep trench around the Alberta spruce with a sharp digging shovel. Sever the roots completely before lifting the root ball from the hole. Wrap the root ball with damp material such as burlap or canvas.
- 5). Dig a hole in the new location two to three times the width of the root ball but the same depth the spruce was in its prior hole. Amend the removed soil with one-third compost, mixing it together thoroughly.
- 6). Remove the packing material from the root ball and place the tree in the middle of the hole. Backfill the hole with the amended soil, tamping firmly around the roots. Water thoroughly with a soaker hose.
- 7). Continue to provide water to the Alberta spruce every 10 to 14 days if rainfall is inadequate, to establish the roots again before the first frost.
- 8). Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch -- such as shredded bark, wood chips or pine straw -- around the spruce tree to help with drainage, to retain soil moistness and to ward off weeds. Leave a 6-inch area around the base of the tree unmulched.