Moving a 20‑ft Ponderosa Pine: Air‑Spade or Root‑Ball Methods

Moving a 20‑ft ponderosa at 7,500 ft elevation is feasible with a qualified arborist. Two main methods:

1. Root pruning a year ahead: Cut roots 4 ft from trunk to stimulate fibrous roots near trunk. Next year, dig a root ball (soil must hold together). Heavy; needs machinery.
2. Air‑Spade bare‑root transplant: High‑pressure air removes soil without root damage. Keep roots damp with wet burlap. Move, plant, apply anti‑desiccant (Wilt‑Pruf) first winter.

Prep on overcast, low‑wind day. Cost is high; weigh against planting a new large tree.