Transplanting 50+ Wild Pines for Erosion Control

Moving 2‑ft Pines from Cabin Driveway to Home Slope

Success requires intact root balls and minimal desiccation.

Root Ball Size

Width = 9–12″ per inch trunk diameter; Depth = 6″ per inch. For ½″ trunk: 5–6″ wide, 3″ deep. For 1″ trunk: 9–12″ wide, 6″ deep.

Procedure

1. Pre‑dig holes at new site (2× ball width, same depth).
2. Dig each pine with soil ball; wrap in wet burlap.
3. Load on trailer; cover foliage with tarp to prevent wind drying.
4. Plant at same depth; backfill with native soil; mulch 3″ pine straw.
5. Water 1″/week until established.

Timing

Early spring (before bud break) or early fall (6+ weeks before freeze).