Moving 4–6 Foot Pines in Western Michigan: Fall vs. Spring

Three pines (4–6 ft) to relocate. Owner asks fall vs. summer timing and root ball size.

Timing

• Fall: ≥6 weeks before ground freeze (early–mid Oct in MI).
• Spring: ≤4 weeks after deciduous leaf-out (late Apr–May).
• Summer: avoid—high transpiration, low root function.

Root Ball

9–12″ width per inch caliper, 6″ depth per inch. Example: 2″ caliper → 18–24″ wide, 12″ deep.

Protocol

• Pre-dig new holes (2× ball).
• Burlap ball, minimize exposure.
• Backfill topsoil, mulch 3″, water 1″/week.

Small pines = high success. Spring slightly better in MI.