Tree moving (Atrophy)

Deciduous trees should be transplanted in early spring when the tree has not yet leaved out. Alternatively, they can also be moved in early fall when the tree has started changing the color of its leaves. The roots have to be cut half a year before the tree moving actually takes place so that the wounds have time to heal. If the tree moving project is scheduled for the upcoming spring, the roots should be pruned in fall after the tree has lost its leaves. However, if the transplantation is scheduled for the upcoming fall, the roots should be shortened in early spring before the tree starts budding. When pruning the roots, gardeners have to leave a big enough root ball. Its size depends on the diameter of the trunk. For example, if the diameter of the trunk is 1 inch, the root ball has to be at least 18 inches wide and 14 inches deep.[1]

Before the tree is actually moved, the gardener has to dig a hole that has the same depth as the root ball and is three times as wide. After digging up the tree, it is advisable to rinse off the soil and tie up the branches to make the moving easier. When the tree is in the new hole, it is important to fill in the subsoil first before adding the topsoil. In general, tree moving should be done by professionals if the diameter of the trunk is 2 inches or more because the mass of soil weighs a lot.[2]