How to Transplant a Tree

Featured Pro/Author: Eric Stromer Tags: exterior, garden, gardening, landscape, landscaping, lawn and garden, outdoor, transplanting, tree, yard

Thinking about relocating a beloved tree? If you transplant a tree to a more suitable area, it can help it grow the best that it can. Here's how to do it the right way.

Step 1: Relocation Package

Thinking about moving a beloved tree? If you transplant a tree to a more suitable area, it can be the best—or worth—thing for its health. Here's how to do it the right way. First, find out if the tree needs a lot of light or shade, how big it will grow, etc., then find the right spot for it in your yard.
Step 2: Down to the Roots

Dig a hole in the new spot that’s large enough to accommodate the tree’s root ball.
Step 3: Dirty Job

Water the tree thoroughly before digging it up. Try to keep the roots intact, with as much dirt around them as possible. Pull the tree out and slide it to its new home on a tarp.
Step 4: Home, Sweet, Home

Drop the tree into the hole (make sure it’s not too deep), and shovel dirt into the hole and pack the root ball. Then water the tree.

Steps Items

Step 1: Relocation Package
Thinking about moving a beloved tree? If you transplant a tree to a more suitable area, it can be the best—or worth—thing for its health. Here's how to do it the right way. First, find out if the tree needs a lot of light or shade, how big it will grow, etc., then find the right spot for it in your yard.

Step 2: Down to the Roots
Dig a hole in the new spot that’s large enough to accommodate the tree’s root ball.

Step 3: Dirty Job
Water the tree thoroughly before digging it up. Try to keep the roots intact, with as much dirt around them as possible. Pull the tree out and slide it to its new home on a tarp.

Step 4: Home, Sweet, Home
Drop the tree into the hole (make sure it’s not too deep), and shovel dirt into the hole and pack the root ball. Then water the tree.