Question
Hello there, would you please tell me if it is possible to transplant a very old, large pear tree. There are no fences or barriers in the way of moving this tree but I believe it will require a backhoe because it is enormous. What I'm wondering is if it is worth the effort because I know nothing about this subject.
Thank you very much for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you soon. Rhonda Taylor

Answer
It is possible but will take a large effort.

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.



Digging the root ball:

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

Older 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.

This will be a very large rootball for your tree. The new hole should be twice the size of the root ball and as deep and filled with good top soil or potting soil. Mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk. This will help hold moisture around the roots.

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://www2.vermeer.com/vermeer/equipment/tree_spades;jsessionid=022d2cc6c1773f4...