Moving 10-ft Columnar Cedars 7 Feet by Hand: A Step-by-Step Guide
You have two 10-ft tall columnar cedars (likely Thuja plicata 'Fastigiata' or similar) planted 7 ft from the fence in a small, inaccessible backyard in the Fraser Valley (Zone 8). You want to move them 7 ft closer to the fence without heavy machinery.
Feasibility Assessment
- Root ball size: For a 10-ft cedar, aim for a 24–30 inch diameter root ball, 18–24 inches deep. Weight: 300–500 lbs each (wet).
- Timing: Late fall (after leaf drop) or early spring (before bud break) is ideal. Cool, moist weather reduces transplant shock.
- Manpower: Minimum 3 strong people. Rent a ball cart (nursery dolly) or use a heavy-duty tarp + 2×4 skids.
Tools and Materials
- Sharp, flat-bladed nursery spade (file the edge)
- Reciprocating saw with long pruning blade (for deep roots)
- Burlap (2×3 yd pieces), twine, pinning nails
- Heavy-duty tarp (10×12 ft)
- Ball cart or 2×4 skids + pipe rollers
- Water source and hose
- Stakes and arbor tie (for after planting)
- Slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10)
- Mulch (bark or wood chips)
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Pre-dig the new holes: Dig holes at the new locations—twice the root ball width, same depth. Amend backfill with 20% compost. Fill with water and let drain.
- Root prune (optional but recommended): 4–6 weeks before moving, cut a 24-inch circle around each tree at the planned root ball diameter, 12 inches deep. This encourages fibrous root growth inside the ball.
- Day of move – prepare the tree: Tie up branches loosely with twine to prevent breakage. Water deeply 24 hours before.
- Dig the root ball: Start 2 inches outside the root-prune circle. Drive the spade straight down, rocking gently to sever roots. Work around the tree, then angle inward to undercut. Use the reciprocating saw for roots >1 inch.
- Wrap the ball: Tip the tree slightly, slide burlap under, wrap tightly, secure with twine in a crisscross pattern. Pin burlap to ball with nails.
- Move the tree: Lift onto tarp (use legs, not back). Drag on tarp or use ball cart/skids to new hole. Keep root ball intact—do not drop.
- Plant: Set tree in hole center. Top of root ball = existing grade. Remove burlap from top 1/3 (leave bottom/sides to rot). Backfill with amended soil, firming in layers. Water thoroughly to settle.
- Stake: Two stakes outside root ball, ties at 2/3 height. Allow slight trunk movement.
- Mulch: 3 inches bark, 6 inches from trunk.
- Aftercare: Water deeply 2×/week first month, then weekly through first growing season. Apply slow-release fertilizer at planting and again in early summer. Expect some needle drop/bronzing—this is normal shock response. Do not overwater.
Critical Success Factors
- Keep root ball moist at all times—wrap in wet burlap if delay occurs.
- Never lift by the trunk; always support the ball.
- Plant at exact same depth—planting too deep kills cedars.
- Patience: full recovery takes 2–3 years.
With careful execution, these cedars will re-establish and provide the privacy you want in their new location.
