Question
When is the best time of the year to transplant a Maple tree in Northern Arizona? Are there any tips or suggestions you can share? Thanks, Joe

Answer
Deciduous plants may be moved in the spring as soon as the frost is out of the ground, up until the time when new foliage is partly unfurled. In the fall, they may be planted once the leaves start to turn color up until the ground freezes.

When you want to dig up a tree or shrub for transplanting, retain as much of the root system as possible. Every effort should be made to reduce root exposure to wind and sun, keeping the ball as moist as possible. It's best to prepare the hole before digging up the tree you wish to move.

Size of the root ball and size of the hole:

For deciduous trees and shrubs the soil ball should be:

Width = 9-12 in. in diameter/every 1 in. of tree diameter
Depth = 6 in./every 1 in. of tree diameter

For example: A tree trunk 2 inches wide would need a soil ball of 18-24 inches wide and 12 inches deep.

The new hole should be twice the size of the root ball and as deep. Fill with good top soil and mulch around the planted tree with not more than 3 inches deep[ of mulch and water good. I would water every other day if it does not rain for the first couple of weeks and then weekly. Water with 1 inch of water-place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop.