Question
Is it at all reasonable to consider transplanting 7 or 8, 15+ feet leyland cypress trees?  They are currently 5-6' apart flanking a driveway.  I hate to loose them.  We are in S.Central PA, where the ground is not yet frozen.  Your advise is appreciated. -Thank you

Answer
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.

When you want to dig up a tree or shrub for transplanting, retain as much of the root system as possible. 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  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.


Dig the new holes twice the size of the root ball and fill with good top soil and mulch around the trees with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk.