Transplanting Redbud Trees in Southern California

Timing Is Critical

Even in Los Angeles where the ground doesn’t freeze, summer transplanting is not recommended. Heat and lack of rainfall cause excessive stress. Wait until the tree is dormant—after leaf fall in late autumn or early winter.

Proper Transplanting Procedure

• Root ball size: For a trunk diameter of 1 inch, dig a ball 9–12 inches wide and 6 inches deep per inch of diameter (e.g., 2-inch trunk → 18–24″ wide, 12″ deep).
• Handling: Keep the root ball moist with burlap or wet newspaper; never let roots dry out.
• Planting hole: Twice the width of the root ball, same depth. Backfill with native soil amended with compost.
• Aftercare: Mulch 3 inches deep (keep away from trunk). Water 1 inch every 3 days for the first few months, then weekly if no rain.

Protect the canopy during transport with a tarp to prevent wind desiccation.