Question
QUESTION: Hi Jim,
I have 2 White Pines that are approx. 9 to 10 feet in height planted within 6
feet of each other and among several large mature pines that are basically
choking them.  They're thin and look weak with the bottom branches being
lifeless.
My question is, can I transplant these two trees with the hope that they will
survive, and how much room should I provide?  Also, how large should the
root ball be?
Appreciate any help you can provide.
Regards,
Chris Bertrandt

P.S.  I live in SE Wisconsin 30 miles West of Milwaukee

ANSWER: When you want to dig up a tree or shrub for transplanting, retain as much of the root system as possible. All ages of evergreens, can be successfully moved only if a ball of soil is left around the roots. The exposed roots should be protected with moist burlap or newspaper or with polyethylene sheeting. Every effort should be made to reduce root exposure to wind and sun, keeping the ball as moist as possible. It's best to prepare the hole before digging up the tree you wish to move.

Size of the root ball and size of the hole:

For deciduous trees and shrubs the soil ball should be:

Width = 9-12 in. in diameter/every 1 in. of tree diameter
Depth = 6 in./every 1 in. of tree diameter

For example: A tree trunk 2 inches wide would need a soil ball of 18-24 inches wide and 12 inches deep.


When you dig the new hole dig it twice the size of the rootball and as deep. Fill with good top soil and mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch (pine straw is good) not piled up on the tree trunk. Remove any burlap or wire before you plant the tree.

I would plant them 12 feet apart. The distance apart was not the problem but the competition from the other taller trees for water is what was causing the smaller trees health problems.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jim,
I have a mature White Pine whose needles have turned brown.  Is the tree dying or is this a natural condition for a White Pine?  The age of the tree may be around 16 years old.  What can I do to save this tree?  I live in SE Wisconsin.

Appreciate your help.

Regards,

Chris Bertrandt

Answer
As long as the needles near the ends of the outer upper branches are green the tree is ok. Pines have two sets of needles on at a time making them green year long. Pines will drop needles each year and these are replaced by new needles--the older needles turn brown and are farther back on the branches than the newer needles near the ends of the branches. Dropping needles is normal for pines as long as there is still green needles present.