A small tree is defined as one with a trunk diameter (caliper) no greater than two inches, measured six inches above the soil line. Trees exceeding this size are too large and heavy to manage without heavy equipment. Successfully moving a small tree requires careful technique to minimize shock and maximize survival. The goal is to preserve the fine root system within an intact ball of soil, which serves as the tree’s support system.
Essential Preparation and Optimal Timing
The best time to transplant a small tree is during its dormant season, typically in late fall after leaves drop or in early spring before new buds swell. Transplanting during this period reduces stress because metabolic processes are slowed, allowing the tree to focus energy on root establishment rather than supporting foliage. Evergreens are most successfully moved in early spring or late summer, but the principle of moving during a non-growth period remains the same.
A successful transplant relies on careful preparation, which includes gathering a sharp, flat-bladed spade, burlap or a tarp, and twine or rope for securing the root ball. Several days before digging, the soil around the tree should be thoroughly watered. Moist soil holds together better than dry soil, increasing the chance that fragile feeder roots remain protected during the move.
The Step-by-Step Digging Technique
The first step involves accurately determining the necessary size of the root ball. A good standard suggests that for every one inch of trunk diameter, the root ball should be between 8 and 12 inches wide. For example, a tree with a 1.5-inch trunk diameter requires a root ball between 12 and 18 inches across.
Once the diameter is calculated, a vertical trench should be dug around the tree at that marked perimeter using the sharp spade, creating a clean, circular cut. This process severs the long, horizontal roots cleanly, which is less damaging to the tree than tearing them. The trench should be dug to a depth of approximately 18 to 24 inches, or about two-thirds the height of the intended root ball, depending on the tree’s size.
After the trench is established, undercut the root ball to sever the taproot and any remaining roots beneath the soil mass. This is accomplished by pushing the spade horizontally under the ball from the trench, working around the perimeter until the entire mass is freed. Avoid using the trunk as a lever to pry the root ball out, as this can easily crack the soil mass and damage the root structure. The tree is ready to be moved once the root ball is completely separated from the subsoil.
Securing and Moving the Root Ball
Immediately after the root ball is freed, it must be secured to prevent the soil from crumbling and exposing the roots to drying air. For smaller root balls, tip the ball to one side to slip a sheet of burlap or a tarp into the trench beneath it. The ball is then rolled onto the material, and the fabric is pulled up around the sides.
The burlap or tarp should be pulled tightly around the soil mass and secured with twine, rope, or pinning nails. The secured root ball should be handled exclusively by lifting the ball itself or the material wrapping it, never by lifting or pulling the trunk or branches. A wheelbarrow or a tarp can be used to transport the tree to its new location, minimizing the risk of breakage.