Tree Transplant Question?

Question

I have a small fir which needs relocating. It's only about 3 feet high at the moment yet I worry about it's proximity to my home.

How can I safely move it from it's current location to an area further away from the main house?

Answer 1

Dig a very wide circle around the tree & transplant it into the hole you've dug away from the house.

I have a friend who works in a nursery (his dad owns it) & he said to see if you can feel the roots with your fingers. If you can then you'll know exactly where to start digging. He also said: "the wetter the better" when it comes to moving the tree.

Actually, this would depend upon the amount of time the tree has been in the ground, the type of soil in which it's planted & how close it is to your house.

Answer 2

Good move, as this thing will get very big pretty quickly.

I'd dig out the tree, with a two-foot diameter hole, and you'll probably need to go equally as deep.  You want to keep as much of the root intact.  You may want to buy some beer and invite your strong friend to help lift it out.  To move it to its new home, place it on a reinforced plastic tarp and drag it over the lawn.  Water thoroughly after putting it in the new hole.

Answer 3

The previous answer missed one point and that is move this tree after if goes dominant this fall. Doing this will increase the chances of it living many fold.

Answer 4

Wait until it cools off - after the first frost.  You must dig outside of the drip line - as roots will be out that far and you do not want to damage them in the move if at all possible.  So start digging outside the tips of the branches - dig down about 2-2-1/2 feet then push your sharp round shovel in under it from all around your deep trench.  You can wet it and let it soak over night then come back and try to lift it out.  Be careful as you can break your shovel prying.  If it won't come, keep loosening and add more water to soak in - work on it next day.  Over a couple days it will 'lift' up from the bottom of the hole.

It will be heavy so a helper would be good.

Good luck!