How to Transplant a Small Tree

In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains how to transplant a small tree.


Steps:

1 Wrap tree with rope to protect the branches during transport to new location.
2 Measure the width of tree trunk; multiply by 10 to determine root ball diameter.
3 Tie tope around trunk to represent radius of root ball; scratch root ball diameter in dirt around tree.
4 Cut straight down with square-blade shovel to sever roots all around tree.
5 Dig around the root ball with pointed shovel.
6 Cut thick roots with loppers.
7 Continue digging to undercut tree and reveal root ball.
8 Wrap burlap around root ball and pin with nails.
9 Tie burlap to root ball with string.
10 Push tree onto tree dolly, and pull it from hole.
11 Dig new hole twice as wide as root ball, and 2 inches shorter than height of root ball.
12 Set tree in hole; cut away burlap.
13 Mix starter fertilizer with soil.
14 Back fill around tree with soil; untie the branches.
15 Form 4-inch-high ring of soil around tree.
16 Drive in stakes around tree; secure stakes to tree with plastic ties.
17 Thoroughly water tree with garden hose.
18 Add bark mulch around base of tree.
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