Mini-Tree Planting

Here are some tips from Paul James for relocating any size tree.

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Here are Paul James' steps for relocating most any tree, regardless of its size. In this example he is transplanting a purple-leaved Katsura, "a cute little tree" that belongs to the genus Cercidiphyllum and is native to Japan.

Figure A

Dig up the rootball (figure A). A general rule of thumb to remember: the bigger the rootball the better.

Figure B

Lift the tree out of the ground and place it in a trug (figure B) or on a tarp so you can carry it to its new home. Place it in its new planting hole, which should be twice as wide as the rootball and the same depth as it was previously.

Figure C

Pack the soil gently but firmly around the rootball (figure C); water well and mulch.

Tip: The optimum time to transplant is when trees are dormant. That way they begin to develop strong root systems before they leaf out and are not as stressed by the move.