Question
My Bradford pear tree was planted one year ago and is now about 7 feet tall. I would like to dig it up and transplant it to a different location.  Would this be possible without harming the tree?  If so, how far away from the trunk should I dig so that the root system would be disturbed as little as possible?  And, is it too late in the year to do this?  (The tree was an Easter gift last year and planted by the giver.  The problem is that it is close to my neighbor's property and he disdains the tree.)  Thank you.

Answer
Deciduous plants like Bradford pear 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. In the fall, they may be planted once the leaves start to turn color up until the ground freezes.

Although all trees and shrubs can be moved in either spring or fall, there are some which establish themselves better when moved in the spring, such as the softwoods (willows, poplars, birches).

When you want to dig up a tree or shrub 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.

To calculate the weight of the soil ball before you move it, use this formula:

Weight of soil ball = width of ball x depth of ball x .05 lbs.

For example: A tree trunk of 2 inches wide would have a soil ball that weighed:
(24" wide x 12" deep) x .05 lbs = 14.5 lbs.

A tree trunk of 4 inches wide would have a soil ball that weighed:
(48" wide x 24" deep) x .05 = 56 lbs.

To ensure that the soil ball is not disturbed when moving, it should be held together with a piece of burlap or sacking. "Lace" the burlap with heavy twine if the tree is to be moved a considerable distance.

Dig the new hole twice the size of the root ball and fill with good top soil. Mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches of mulch.
Broken roots on bare-root trees and shrubs should be trimmed back with sharp pruning shears. Set the tree in the hole with the old soil mark (ie. where the bark is discolored on the main stem) at the ground level or slightly below. Drive in a stake for support if required.

Work the soil down between the roots or under the curve of the root ball, firming it periodically to avoid air pockets.

If setting a soil ball, which is firm, remove the burlap beforehand. This soil should be packed firmly, perhaps by tramping on it, and then water the tree thoroughly. Do not fertilize it for a year.