Is there a best time to transplant a small tree?

There’s time the need comes to move trees within your landscape. Fall and early spring are the best times to transplant small trees.

Small Tree Transplant Tips

To reduce damage and enhance their chance of survival, dig and move small trees with balls of soil sticking to parts of their roots. The soil must be moist when the plant is dug. If the soil is dry, completely water the area 72 hours before digging.
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Then slice under the roots, rounding the bottom of the soil ball. Hold the soil ball to one side, put a piece of burlap on the other side, then cautiously tip or roll the soil ball over on top of the burlap. Securely bind the burlap on the soil ball and tighten the burlap with rope. Transplant the tree by picking up the root ball instead of grabbing the trunk.

If you can, quickly replant the tree. Dig a hole and meticulously lower the tree into the hole, placing it correctly, and start putting the soil back into the hole. Pack the soil around the tree's root ball by hand. When the hole is around two-thirds full, cut the twine from around the soil ball. Finish the backfilling of the hole and water accurately.

Be careful not to let the soil ball break during the digging up, transplanting, and replanting procedures.

You Can Do Your Own Small Tree Transplant…Or Call a Tree Care Professional

Transplanting a small tree is a little more intricate than just purchasing a tree and putting it out in your yard. A little consideration is necessary. Nonetheless, the basic principles of care and preparation are needed. With some determination and effort, your young tree will be healthy and thriving in no time.

Home gardeners should only work with transplanting trees with two inches or less of a trunk. Trees with a trunk over two inches should be dug up and transplanted by a skilled tree contractor or arborist. If you don’t want to mess up transplanting your small tree, the best thing you can do so the soil ball doesn’t get broken is to call a tree care company to do it for you.