Transplanting Eastern Red Cedar: Timing and Techniques

Eastern red cedar, an evergreen, should be transplanted in early fall (at least 6 weeks before ground freeze) or in spring up to 4 weeks after deciduous trees leaf out, provided adequate water is given. Retain as much root ball as possible—width 9–12 inches per inch of trunk diameter, depth 6 inches per inch. For a 2-inch trunk, that's an 18–24 inch wide, 12-inch deep ball. Protect exposed roots with moist burlap. Dig the new hole twice the root ball size, backfill with good topsoil, mulch 3 inches deep (not against trunk), and do not fertilize the first year.

Key Steps

1. Prepare the new hole before digging the tree.
2. Keep the root ball moist and shaded during move.
3. Water weekly (1 inch) during establishment.