I uprooted a small peach tree (3 feet tall) about 3-4 weeks ago and transplanted it elsewhere. The buds were just beginning to form at that point and the tree seems to be doing well. I want to move another one that is about 6-7' tall. This one has already begun flowering and I assume it would kill the tree if I moved it now. I live in MA. and the temps are still 40-50 days and colder nights. Is this something that I should attempt? If so how should I handle cutting the roots? Any advise would be extremely helpful. The trees are currently in my parents yard and are very sentimental to my brother and I. We must sell the property soon.

Reply to post by Frank, on April 24, 2000 at 09:34:57:

Frank, if the property is to be sold, you have a choice- move the trees before you put it for sale, or forget about moving the trees. The best thing would probably be to wait for the fall to move them, if possible.

If you have to transplant now, do it sooner rather than later. make sure the soil is moist but not wet. Water well, then wait 3 to 5 days. The root ball should be 1 to 1.5 feet in diameter for each inch of trunk dimeter. A 3 inch diameter tree needs a root ball of 3 to 5 feet. The larger the root ball the better the chance for survival. Remember that moist soil is very heavy, so be prepared with the right equipment.

Cut the roots by digging a trench around the outside of the root ball area, using pruners to cut roots. Wrap the ball firmly and lift from below. Avoid rolling, dropping or otherwise disturbing the root ball. Don't lift from the trunk.

Be sure to place the ball at the same level in the new site, and do not pile any soil or mulch against the bark of the trunk. A 3 inch layer of mulch can be placed over the root ball, just not against the bark.

For a large tree, it may pay to get a professional to move it. Check with local arborists and landscapers.