Question
i need to transplant six foot tree that has been in the ground three years.some lateral roots just under the surface appear to be about three  feet long.how deep will the root system be? will there be many lateral roots of this length? how much of the root system can be lost without serious detriment to tree? thank you for advice you can give.

Answer
Deciduous trees and shrubs may be planted either in the spring or the fall. 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. I would do it in the Fall after the leaves drop if the ground does not freeze where you are.

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.

Dig the new hole twice the size of the rootball and as deep and fill with good top soil or potting soil. Plant so that the top of the rootball is at the same level as the ground.  Mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk.