Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a question about a cedar of lebanon that I cant find the info to anywhere.  I planted a cedar of lebanon in my yard in town in 2007.  It is about 3.5 feet tall and growing well.  The problem is, we just bought a house
in the country and I need to dig it up and transplant it on the property in late November.  I have heard that they are difficult to transplant.  Should I plant it in a 5 gal. bucket and leave it in the bucket over winter and put it in the ground in the Spring?  How wide around and how deep should I dig?  I would really appreciate any help you could possibly give me!  This tree is really special to me, and I would hate for it to die.

ANSWER: Kyle, The fall is the best time to transplant a tree, as long as you do it before the ground freezes. I would not put the tree in a 5 gallon bucket or any container for that matter. The key to success is to not disturb the existing root structure as much as possible. Dig a trench around your tree as wide as the crown of the tree, or atleast 2-3 ft away from the trunk. I would recommend doing this project when the soil is fairly dry, because it tends to adhere and protect the root base better. Once you have a trench dug 1-2 ft deep, then you can start to thrust your shovel under the root ball, gently and also going around in circle. Once your root ball is free you can gently lift the tree onto a tarp for easy transport. It is a good idea to dig the whole you are planting in prior, to digging the tree to minimize the shock. I like to amend the planting site with compost and also water the hole thoroughly before placing the tree in place to ensure thorough soaking of the root mass. Dig the hole you are planting in about two inches wider around than the root mass but not quit e as deep. I usually leave about 1/2 1/4 inch of the root mass above ground because when the ground settles, it becomes even with the grade. Good Luck and Happy Gardening!

       Cheers, Gary Overton

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks a lot.  What if it is the first week of December?  I don't move there until then.  Do you think the ground will be too frozen r will that happen as you get closer to January?

thanks, Kyle

Answer
Kyle, It all depends on where you live! However the ground is usually only frozen a few inches down during the coldest months of the winter Also the ground rarely stays frozen for long, and you could use hot water to unfreeze it. I think your good. Drop me another line with any more questions. Congratulations on your new home.

         Best, Gary Overton