Hi ricky w,

This is Ricks Picks. I work in the Garden Department for The Home Depot. Thank you for your question. The challenge you will have will be in moving the tree once you have dug it up. It is not an impossible task, but one that requires certain steps be taken in the right order. You said that your redwood tree is about 15 feet tall. How thick is the trunk of the tree at 6 inches off the ground? Use a caliper if you have one to get an exact measurement. For every inch of thickness, you will need to measure out 10-12 inches from the base of the tree. As an example, let’s say that the tree is 3 inches thick, at six inches above the ground. That means that you will need to start digging at least 30-36 inches from the base of the tree. The most opportune time to transplant the tree is during the dormant period which is usually between December and March. Plan your digging to start about 3 to 6 months before moving the tree.

After you have measured the correct distance, use a sharp spade to dig down 8-12 inches into the soil, the correct distance from the truck, all the way around the tree, 3-6 months before you plan on transplanting the tree. This will sever some of the roots. New feeder roots will form over the next 3-6 months. If the moisture content of the soil is low, water the tree a few days before beginning the transplant process to help keep the root ball from falling apart. You can also use a B-1 solution mixed into a five gallon bucket.

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When the time to transplant arrives, start to dig again but s do so 4-6 inches outside the first circle you made 3-6 months prior. This will help to capture some of the newly formed feeder roots. Start to dig down into the soil to a depth of about 1/2 to 2/3 as deep as the diameter of the first measurement. (For every inch of caliper, dig out 10-12 inches from the base of the tree) This means you will need to dig down 1-1½ feet to capture as much of the root ball as possible ( Depending on what your measurement was). Very carefully, dig around the root ball so that you can keep the root ball intact. The root ball can weigh several hundred pounds. You may need a tree dolly or heavy lifting equipment to safely get your tree out. Do not be tempted to lift the tree by its stem as you could severely damage the tree. Always lift the tree from under the root ball.

Be sure to transplant the tree into the same favorable conditions that you got it started in. When digging the new hole for the tree, do not plant it too deep. The top of the root ball should be even with the top of the soil surround the tree or even just slightly above the ground. Refill the new hole with the original soil that you dug it up with. Gently firm the soil around the tree and water thoroughly. Put a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the tree, being sure to cover the newly dug hole border plus 1 foot. I like to use Kellogg N’ Rich.

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Do not use a fast release nitrogen fertilizer at this time but rather a root stimulator like MiracleGro Quick Start.

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Regular watering is critical for the next several months. Water only when necessary and do not over water. Usually about once a week should be adequate. Use a slow drip method of watering to ensure that the water penetrates down about two feet into the ground. When you are doing a transplant like this, you always want to make sure that you are putting the tree into a similar environment. Watch for signs of stress such as wilting or discoloration of the leaves as well as stunted growth. Be patient, your tree has gone through a traumatic event. You may not see a lot of growth for the next 12 months and it can take several years after that for your tree to be established into its new location.

The one thing that will be the most helpful to your tree is making sure that you are transplanting it into a similar environment. Take the time to check the soil type between the two planting sites. Be sure that where you want the tree to go will be compatible to where the tree came from.

Good luck with your tree transplant project. Be sure to take pictures and share them with the rest of the garden community.

Ricks Picks

I concur with tinman