When and How to Transplant a Large Evergreen

Timing Is Critical

Moving an 8-foot evergreen in summer (Long Island, NY) is ill-advised. Evergreens need at least 6 weeks before ground freeze to establish new roots. Ideal windows are early fall (after deciduous leaf drop) or early spring (up to 4 weeks after deciduous trees leaf out), provided ample water is available.

Root Ball Requirements

Retain as much root system as possible. For a trunk diameter of, say, 3 inches, the soil ball should be 27–36 inches wide and 18 inches deep (9–12 inches width per inch of trunk diameter; 6 inches depth per inch).

Step-by-Step Transplanting

1. Prepare the new hole first: twice the width of the root ball, same depth, backfilled with quality topsoil or potting mix.
2. Dig the tree, keeping the root ball intact. Wrap exposed roots in moist burlap or plastic to prevent drying.
3. Plant at the same depth as before. Mulch with 3 inches of organic material (pine straw ideal), keeping it off the trunk.
4. Water deeply: 1 inch every 3 days for a month, then weekly unless rain occurs.

White Patches Note

The white patches may be lichens or a fungal issue; address after transplant with proper care.