Question
we live in the Fraser Valley area of B.C. Canada
we have two 10 feet plus tall cedar column trees that usually are planted in rows for a large tall hedge. they are about 7 feet in from the fence . the privacy they create is nice but the placement is awkward.  how big would the root ball be, and can they be moved by hand the 7 feet back without big machinery as they are in a very small fenced back yard without access?

Answer
Marlayne,

Yes, you can move them by hand, but you'll be tired.

From what  you've described, I'd guess the root ball needs to be about 2 to 2.5  feet across, and deep.

This is the best time of year to be doing this kind of moving, but the wet rootball, plus the plant will be heavy.  Don't do it alone.

Make sure your shovel is sharp.  File the edge if you need to.  This will help you cut the roots, without pounding (which hurts elbows and rootballs). Then, when you dig, start with the shovel turned backwards, shoving back toward the plant as you go down. This helps to pack the rootball together.  This is important for evergreens.  They do not like to be bare-rooted.  You want the rootball to hold together, not crumble as you lift it out.

Have the hole in the right place ready, so that when the rootball is dug you can move it  right into place.  I'd  get it onto a tarp to slide it into place.

Also, since these are big, don't be surprised to see signs of stress from this move during the next year.  They could very well go a little yellow.  But just be patient.  Fertilize a little, and let them recover from the shock.  A year, or even two, isn't to long to wait.

Wish I was there to help.
Mark in Portland