Question
 I would like to transplant a 2 foot high Holly tree. What type of soil is best and is it better in the shade or full sun.
                                 Thank You
                                  Norman  

Answer
A holly bush needs a lot of sunlight to grow. It can be planted in the direct, full sunlight and thrive. It will only tolerate partial shade before it will start to fade. They grow best in acidic soils within a landscape or on their own as a hedge or a bush. The soil should drain well and not get soggy.

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. When you want to dig up a tree  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. Fill with good top soil or potting soil and mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk. water once a week with 1 inch of water--place pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. I would water unless it rains good.