Transplanting 2-Year-Old Trees: Bare-Root Risks and Proper Technique

Moving a Neighbor's Young Trees (Possibly Crape Myrtles)

A homeowner wants to transplant two 2-year-old trees a neighbor is removing. One has stripped bark from being pulled. They ask about survival chances and technique.

Critical Factor: Root Ball vs. Bare Root

• With root ball: Good survival if ball is sized correctly (9–12″ width, 6″ depth per inch trunk diameter) and kept moist.
• Bare root (pulled): Survival drops sharply. Only feasible for very small deciduous trees in dormancy with immediate replanting and rigorous watering (every other day for months).

Proper Transplanting Steps

1. Prepare new hole first: 2× root ball width, same depth.
2. Dig tree with intact soil ball. Wrap in burlap.
3. Plant at original grade. Backfill with good soil.
4. Mulch 2–3″ (not on trunk). Water 1 inch every 3 days until established.
5. Stake only if necessary; remove after 1 year.

Bark Damage

Stripped bark on one tree reduces its chances significantly. If cambium is exposed >25% of circumference, girdling and death are likely.

Key Takeaway

Insist on digging with a root ball. Bare-root transplanting of 2-year-old trees in spring has low success. If the neighbor already pulled them, plant immediately, water religiously, and expect losses.