Question
Hi, we have 4 lelan cyprus trees ranging from 6 to 10 ft. tall that we have to transplant because of site distance in our subdivision.  How deep are the roots on a tree this tall and will we be able to save the trees moving them in the middle of summer? Thank you for your help.

Answer
The root system is not a function of the height of the tree but of the width of the branches. The roots will extend about 1 1/2 times the width of the branches and be in the first 2 feet of soil. Evergreens also have a tap root that extend directly beneath the trunk and can go as deep as 6-10 feet.
Ideally, Evergreens should be moved earlier in the fall than deciduous plants so they have time to form new roots. They need at least 6 weeks before the ground freezes. In the spring, Evergreens can be planted up to 4 weeks after deciduous trees have opened their leaves, providing that the newly planted trees receive adequate water. The problem with summer time is the heat and the lack of moisture. Here is the proper method to transplant a tree.



When you want to dig up a tree or shrub for transplanting, retain as much of the root system as possible. Evergreens can be successfully moved only if a ball of soil is left around the roots. The exposed roots should be protected with moist burlap or newspaper or with polyethylene sheeting. Every effort should be made to reduce root exposure to wind and sun, keeping the ball as moist as possible. It's best to prepare the hole before digging up the tree you wish to move.

Size of the root ball and size of the hole:

For deciduous trees and shrubs the soil ball should be:

Width = 9-12 in. in diameter/every 1 in. of tree diameter
Depth = 6 in./every 1 in. of tree diameter

For example: A tree trunk 2 inches wide would need a soil ball of 18-24 inches wide and 12 inches deep.

The new hole should be dug ahead of time and be twice the size of the rootball and as deep and fill with good top soil or potting soil.  Mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk. I would water with 1 inch of water--place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. Do this every other day for two weeks then every third day for a couple of weeks then once a week.

The summer is the very worst time do transplant trees and have them survive. I would try anything to get the transplanting delayed until at least late September or Early Oct. The success rate will double for the tree surviving.

This maybe a large job for larger trees and may require the use of a tree spade machine.  IF so I would contact a dealer who can move the tree. Here is a web link to dealers in this type machinery. http://www2.vermeer.com/vermeer/equipment/tree_spades