Moving a ‘Smaragd’ Arborvitae (also known as Emerald Green Thuja) isn’t exactly a walk in the park. These evergreens aren’t big fans of being relocated, but if yours is still relatively small and hasn’t been in the ground for years, you can definitely pull it off. The golden rule? Keep those roots as happy and intact as possible.
What should you keep in mind when transplanting a ‘Smaragd’ Thuja?
Before you even grab your shovel, it’s worth remembering that picking the perfect spot the first time around is key. Once these trees get big or grow together into a hedge, moving them becomes nearly impossible because those intertwined roots just won’t come out of the soil without major damage. If you’re determined to move one, here’s your checklist for success:
- Timing is everything
- Use the right tools
- Prep the new home ahead of time
When is the best time to move a ‘Smaragd’ Thuja?
Spring is your best bet for transplanting. This gives the tree the whole growing season to get settled and comfortable before winter hits. Aim for a cloudy day—it’s easier on the plant—but try to avoid a total downpour. You want the soil to be nice and moist, but not a muddy mess.
What tools do you need to transplant a ‘Smaragd’ Thuja?
To get your Arborvitae out of the ground safely, you’ll want these handy:
- A sharp spade
- A digging fork
- A burlap bag or planting sack (if needed)
Pro tip: Make sure your tools are clean! Diseases can hitch a ride on dirty shovels and spread through your garden faster than you’d think. If you aren’t planting it in its new spot immediately, wrap the root ball in a sack to keep it from drying out.
How do you prep the new spot for your Thuja?
Your Thuja’s new home should be sheltered from harsh winds and well-prepped. Dig the soil deep and mix in some compost or well-aged manure along with a handful of horn shavings for a slow-release nutrient boost. Dig your new hole about twice as wide as the root ball to give those roots plenty of room to spread out.
How do you actually move the tree?
Follow these steps to give your ‘Smaragd’ Thuja the best start in its new location:
- Use your spade to cut a clean circle into the soil around the base of the tree.
- Carefully use the digging fork to pry and lift the tree from underneath.
- Gently lift the root ball out of the ground.
- Get it into its new, prepared hole right away.
