Question
04.22.2008-We have 2-1 year old Shamel ashes that need to be moved/transplanted.  Is it too late in the year to do this?  What would you recommend doing to give them the best chance post-transfer?  Thanks.

Answer
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 hole twice the size of the rootball and as deep and fill with good top soil or potting soil, mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches of organic mulch and water every third day for a couple of months then once a week if it does not rain.