Question
I want to move a gala apple tree.  It hasn't shown much growth in the four years since I planted it.  I want to move it to more sunlight.  It's dimensions are 7' tall at the tallest branch tips x 3 1/2' tall at the branch junction x 1 5/8 thick.  It is 5' wide at the widest part of the branches and 3' wide at the narrowest part of the branches.

I am confused by certain agri forum posts I've read.  Some say to move it in fall, but most say to move it in late winter/early spring.

One person at the local garden center where I bought the tree told me to do this:  1) in late summer to early fall, scribe an 18" circle in the dirt around the tree; 2) make deep cuts into the soil on opposite sides of the cirle, something like this: ( ), leaving one-half of the cirle uncut; 3) in late winter to early spring, make deep cuts into the uncut portions of the circle; dig up the rootball and immediately transplant the tree as quickly as possible.  This method supposedly will promote the strongest rootball for transplant.  Sounds good to me, but what do you think?  Also, what kind of fertilizer, etc, is best to use before, during, and after the transplant, when to use it, etc.  Thank you very much for any information you can offer.  John

Answer
Hi John,
Thanx for your question.  This is really out of my circle of expertise.  I apologize for any inconvenience.  We have a tree expert here on Allexperts.  His name is Jim Hyland and he can be accessed through the Trees forum.  Jim has worked for the Forestry Service so he is much more qualified than I am to answer your question.  I would refer you myself, but, I don't think there is a mechanism for me to redirect your question.  I hope this helps.
Tom