Question
I have about four or five avacado trees I need to transplant to another location. They are all about 2 to 3 feet high with about an inch and a half-inch trunk. I have dug around each plant about 9 inches and down about 16 inches but they still seem to be latched securely to the ground. How deep must I go in order to remove the trees safely without damaging the roots system?

Answer
For a tree this size, you need to dig at least 2' deep and the same diameter as the span of the lowest set of branches. Make sure you keep as much of the root ball as possible, and do not transplant the tree deeper than it is now.

Be advised, regardless of how diligent you are, there will be some damage. Transplanting a tree from one location to another always sets the tree back a couple of months as it recovers from transplant shock. Just be sure to keep the tree watered regularly. Do not fertilize for the first 30 days to prevent burning the roots. If cared for properly, the tree will recover just fine and adapt to it's new location.

Good luck, and have a great weekend.

Regards,

Mike