Transplanting 8-10 ft Red Sunset Maple in Pennsylvania: Fall Protocol

Timing

Fall is good: after leaf color starts, before ground freezes. Spring (before bud break) also works.

Root Ball & Hole

• Measure trunk diameter at 6″.
• Ball: 9–12″ wide × 6″ deep per inch diameter.
• Hole: 2× ball width, same depth.

Procedure

1. Prepare hole first.
2. Dig ball, wrap in burlap.
3. Move, set at same depth (flare visible).
4. Backfill native soil.
5. Water 1 inch (pan method).
6. Mulch 3″, not touching trunk.

Leaf Drop

Wait until leaves turn color (signals dormancy) before digging. Don't wait for full drop—roots need some leaf signal.