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Moving a 15-ft Redbud for Construction: Root Ball and Care

Question: Need to move 15-ft redbud (Waco, TX) for 2 days during construction. Backhoe available. How to ensure survival?

Answer

Critical: root ball width = 9–12 inches per inch trunk diameter; depth = 6 inches per inch. Example: 2-inch trunk → 18–24 inch wide, 12 inch deep ball. Keep root ball moist (burlap, peat, shade). Replant immediately in hole 2× ball width. Mulch 3 inches, water 1 inch every 3 days.

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