Transplanting Young Bradford Pear and Pine Trees

Best Timing

Late fall (after leaf drop, before ground freeze) is ideal. If moving now (spring), daily watering all summer is mandatory.

Root Ball Sizes

• Bradford pear: Minimum 3-foot diameter ball.
• Pine (3 ft tall): 2-foot diameter ball.

Planting Procedure

1. Hole: Twice root ball width, same depth.
2. Backfill: Native soil + 20% compost.
3. Mulch: 3 inches, 6 inches from trunk.
4. Water: Daily 2 weeks, then 3×/week for a month.

Survival Odds

Fall transplant: 80%+. Spring transplant with diligent watering: 60–70%. The pine's smaller size gives it an advantage.