Question
QUESTION: How far do the root systems go down in a small Georgia pine trees, and the circumference of where the roots go from the trunk of the tree in the soft sands of Florida.

ANSWER: Root systems of trees will extend out about 1 1/2 the width of the branches. These roots are mainly in the first two-three feet of soil around the tree. Pines also have a tap root that grows down from the trunk and may go as deep as 15-20 feet.

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QUESTION: Well how in the world would I be able to dig up the tree with out damaging the roots, I mean even if it is only about 3 feet tall. Their has got to be some kind of secret way to do it so that I can get the tree away from my house before the tree gets tough and the roots get to deep.

Answer
Sorry. I did not understand that you were wanting to transplant the tree.

Evergreens should be moved early in the fall 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.


All ages of 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.

To calculate the weight of the soil ball before you move it, use this formula:

Weight of soil ball = width of ball x depth of ball x .05 lbs.

For example: A tree trunk of 2 inches wide would have a soil ball that weighed:
(24" wide x 12" deep) x .05 lbs = 14.5 lbs.

A tree trunk of 4 inches wide would have a soil ball that weighed:
(48" wide x 24" deep) x .05 = 56 lbs.

To ensure that the soil ball is not disturbed when moving, it should be held together with a piece of burlap or sacking. "Lace" the burlap with heavy twine if the tree is to be moved a considerable distance.

Dig the new hole twice the size of the rootball and as deep so the new ground level is the same as the top of the rootball. Fill the hole with good top soil. Mulch around the trees with not more than 3 inches of organic mulch. Water once a week 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 fro the first month and then if it does not rain fro a week or so.