Question
We live in Sun City, CA. (southern CA) and want to move our sagos.  One is about 4-5 feet high with a trunk about 8-10 inches in diameter, and the second is about 3 feet high.  Our question is, how deep does the rootball go, and can we cut part of it off if it goes too deep?  We plan to dig the new hole which is about three feet away, and to immediately plant them there.  We do have clay soil, but they have been in it for 10 years with a drip system and have done good.  What about watering them after they have been moved--any suggestions?  We planted them back-to-back, but they are just getting too big for the space and want to separate them a little. We also plan to wrap the fronds so they will be easier to handle.  Thank you for any info you can give us.  We are seniors so I hope we are able to handle this project.

Answer
Hi Rena, I have advised others in similar situations, and I don't hesitate to recommend getting a specialist to move them for you, its just too difficult a job for those without the right tools and the know-how; Palms have spreading roots, and they bulk of the ball must be lifted with as little trauma as possible. It is indeed a job for those who know how, my advice is leave it to them, you won't regret it. Nick