Successful Holly Tree Transplanting in Fall

Moving a 3-foot holly from under a deck to a rock garden requires careful root ball preservation. Hollies have fibrous root systems spreading 1.5 times the canopy width—no deep taproot to worry about.

Root Ball Specifications

• Width: 9-12 inches per inch of trunk diameter
• Depth: 6 inches per inch of trunk diameter
• Example: 2-inch trunk needs 18-24" wide, 12" deep ball

Transplant Procedure

1. Prepare new hole first—twice root ball width, same depth
2. Dig holly with intact soil ball, wrap roots in moist burlap
3. Plant at same depth, backfill with quality soil
4. Mulch 3 inches max, keep off trunk
5. Water thoroughly, no fertilizer for one year

Critical Success Factors

• Minimize root exposure to sun/wind
• Keep root ball constantly moist during move
• Fall planting allows root establishment before summer heat
• Deck location suggests shade adaptation—match new site light conditions

Hollies transplant well when root ball integrity is maintained. Your rock garden should provide excellent drainage—holly's key requirement.