Question
I am getting a Red Maple Tree from a friend and I will be digging it up from the ground. It has been planted in the ground for a year and is about 10 foot tall.
Since it is coming up on Spring time could I transplant it? If so, can you tell me the best way to do it?
Thank You


Answer
Yes the spring is a good time to transplant the tree. The root ball maybe large though.

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

Dig the new hole twice the size of the rootball and as deep. mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches of organic mulch and water.