Question
Jim; I have two conifers I am thinking about transplanting. One is a grafted globe blue spruce that is about 4 feet tall. It has been in this spot for about five years. The other is a Scottish Pine that is about five feet all and has been in that spot for 2.5 years. I appreciate your advice on the best time to do it and any tips. Dave T.

Answer
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. They can be moved in early spring also.

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.

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 mulch water with 1 inch of water each week.