Question
I have an established apple tree,was supposed to be a dwarf but has really overgrown, I am moving and would like to take it with me.Is it possible to prune it to a reasonable height and dig a hole the size of Montana and transplant it? I live on the coast in Southwest Washington State.

Answer
Deciduous plants may be moved in the spring as soon as the frost is out of the ground, up until the time when new foliage is partly unfurled. In the fall, they may be planted once the leaves start to turn color up until the ground freezes.

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

Keep in mind this will be a big job.

Dig the new hole twice the size of the rootball and as deep and fill with good top soil or potting soil. Mulch around the trees with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk.


In your case I would find a dealer with a tree spade and have them dig and move the tree BUT wait until the Fall until it is moved. One of these tree spades is called a Vermeer tree spade and here is a web link to dealer locations. The cost of this maybe more than you will want to pay but you can ask. Good Luck!!


http://www.vermeermidsouth.com/sub_new_model.cfm?eq_cat=tree spade&eq_type=environmental