When a conifer is happy in its spot, it’ll definitely let you know by putting on some serious growth. But sometimes, life happens, and you realize that evergreen might actually look better (or fit better) somewhere else. Moving a tree isn’t always a walk in the park, though—especially if it’s an older specimen that has already settled in.
Age and Size Matter
When it comes to transplanting, age and size are the big deal-breakers. If you’ve got a young, small tree, you can usually dig it up and get it into its new home without much drama.
However, once a conifer hits a certain age, it’s not just the branches that get big—the root ball underground becomes massive, too. This can make digging the whole thing up pretty difficult, and in some cases, nearly impossible to do by hand.
Prep Work is Key
If you’re planning to move a larger tree, you’ve got to play the long game. Start preparing about a year before the actual move. Dig a trench about 20 inches deep all the way around the tree and fill it with mature compost. The bigger the tree, the wider that circle needs to be. This “root pruning” encourages the tree to grow a more compact root system within the circle, which makes the eventual move much easier on the plant.
Moving Your Conifer
Fast forward one year: now you’re ready for the big move! Re-dig that trench and use a sharp spade to cut through any outer roots. Use a garden fork to gently loosen the root ball until you can lift the whole tree out.
At the new spot, make sure your planting hole is about twice as wide as the root ball. Pop the tree in, fill the hole with a mix of the original soil and some compost or organic fertilizer (like horn shavings), and give it a good soak.
Don’t Forget the Water
Once the tree is in its new home, you’ve got to be a bit of a “water hawk.” Moving is stressful, and those roots likely took a bit of a beating during the process. Keeping the soil consistently moist is the best way to help your conifer recover and get established in its new neighborhood.
Don’t Forget Your Potted Trees
If you’re growing conifers in containers, they need a little love, too! Plan on repotting them every two to three years. Giving them a slightly larger pot and some fresh potting mix ensures the roots have plenty of room to stretch out and keep the tree healthy.
