Transplant Shock: Will a Moved Tree with Cut Roots Survive?

An 8-year-old, 7-ft tree was dug up, had major roots severed, sat out a day (kept in water/soil), and was replanted. Now all leaves are wilted after two days. Is it dead?

Factors Against Survival

• Timing: Mid-season transplant is worst; dormant season (fall/early spring) is best.
• Root ball size: Should be ~12 inches per inch of trunk diameter. A 5-inch trunk needs a 60-inch ball.
• Hole size: Twice the root ball width.
• Species matters: Some trees tolerate transplant better.

What to Do Now

1. Don't overwater: 1 inch/week; use the pan method.
2. Mulch 2–3 inches (not touching trunk).
3. Wait and watch: Wilting is normal shock response. Scratch bark on a twig—green underneath means alive.
4. If brown all the way down: The top is dead, but roots may resprout next spring.

See NDSU transplant guide for detailed aftercare. Patience is key—many trees leaf out the following spring.