Question
I live in Austin, Texas and I have C.M. Trees planted in a shady area...The trees are 4 years old...Which is the best month/months to transplant C.M.?...Do you have any suggestions that will make the transplanting successful?

Answer
Dear Steve

Now would be good as the plants should be going into the dormant period.

Although there is going to be some transplant shock you can help to minimize this by:

(a)  dig the new holes before you begin to dig the plants out of their old positions,

(b)  mix some granular fertilizer into the soil at the bottom of the holes and also into the soil you take out of the planting hole,

(c)  dig around each plant about 2' to 2.5' from its center and dig it up with as much root-ball with soil attached as you can,

(d)  transfer each plant by rolling it onto an old tarp or large piece of sacking.  

    Do this by rolling up the tarp to about half its length, tip the plant to one side and push the rolled up side of the tarp as far under the plant's roots as possible, then tip the plant back the other way.  

    Unroll the tarp and tip the plant back into the upright persuide.  It should now be approximately in the center of the tarp.  

    Persuade a buddy to two to help you lift the plant to its new planting hole or drag it there if help isn't available (or necessary!)  

     Get the plant into it's new hole by reversing the moving technique.  Replace the soil around the plant and firm it in with your heel as you go.

(e)  water the plant in really well, to settle the soil around the roots.

If the plants, (which I notice you refer to as trees), have only a single stem, you could provide a supporting stake.  Bang this into the ground at an angle of 45 degrees to the stem of the tree and a few inches away from it, (about 2"), angled into the prevailing wind.  Fasten the stake and stem together with a tree tie.  You should be able to get these at any garden center.

Be sure to water the plants regularly until they are established (showing good, new growth is an indication that a transplanted plant has settled down).

Good luck with your project.