Moving 15-ft Blue Spruce: Tree Spade Required

15-ft blue spruce to be moved for garage. Sentimental value. Asks survival odds and seedling propagation alternative.

Reality

Too large for manual move. Requires tree spade (machine).

Timing

• Evergreens: early fall (6+ weeks before freeze) or spring (up to 4 weeks after deciduous leaf-out).
• Adequate water critical.

Root Ball Specs

Width: 9–12 in per inch trunk diameter. Depth: 6 in per inch. Hole: 2× root ball. Backfill with topsoil. Mulch 3 in. Water 1 in/week.

Seedlings

Not addressed—focus on professional move.

Resource

Vermeer Tree Spade Dealer Locator