Question
It's Fall and I would like to replant my Holly Tree as the mainstay in our rock garden.  What should I expect when digging up the root system?  Are the roots more topical or can I expect a long or strong central root?  The Holly tree is about 3 feet tall and is growing under my front deck.  How big should the new hole be (depth and circumference) before I move the tree?  Thanks.

Jeff

Answer
The root system will spread about 1 1/2 the spread of the foliage and be fibrous. Some of the outer roots will be cut during the digging but if you leave enough of a root ball this will not be a problem. These can 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.

The new hole should be twice the size of the root ball and as deep. Fill with good soil, mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inch deep of mulch and water. Do not fertilize for at least a year after transplanting.