Question
Please help.  We have a pine tree approx. 20 ft tall & 6ish feet wide.  We would like to give to my Aunt & Uncle.  When is the best time to do this.  How deep & wide do we have to dig?  Any information would be appreciated.
We believe it is an White Pine.
Thank you for your time.  Monica

Answer
Evergreens should be moved earlier in the fall than deciduous plants so they have time to form new roots. They need at least 6 weeks before the ground freezes. In the spring, Evergreens can be planted up to 4 weeks after deciduous trees have opened their leaves, providing that the newly planted trees receive adequate water.

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

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 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 and it will be heavy.

The new hole should be twice the size of the rootball and as deep and fill with good top soil. mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk.

There are machines that can dig and move large trees. these are called tree spades one of the companies is Vermeer. Here is a link to their web page where  you can locate dealers in your area.
http://www.vermeer.com/vcom/EnvironmentalEquipment/Line.jsp?PrdlnID=3840