{"id":11742,"date":"2022-08-22T18:34:25","date_gmt":"2022-08-22T18:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=11742"},"modified":"2026-10-05T21:04:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T21:04:15","slug":"how-to-transplant-a-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-transplant-a-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Transplant a Tree Without Killing It"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Timing matters:<\/strong> Transplant while the tree is dormant, in fall after the leaves drop or in early spring before buds break.<br>\u2022 <strong>Protect the roots:<\/strong> Take about 10 to 12 inches of root ball diameter for every inch of trunk diameter, and root-prune a season ahead.<br>\u2022 <strong>Know your limits:<\/strong> Trees with a trunk about 2 inches thick or less are DIY-friendly, while larger trees are a job for a professional.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Is a tree in your yard stuck in a spot that isn&#8217;t doing it justice? Whether the soil is poor or you&#8217;ve rethought your layout, learning how to transplant a tree is simpler than you might think.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the right timing and a little patience, you can move an established tree to a better home without killing it. This guide covers when to do it and walks you through each step of the process.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if the tree turns out to be too big or too heavy to move safely, you can always <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=mowing\">get a free estimate<\/a> from Lawn Love&#8217;s local pros.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-9ecba057-b7e4-489f-b865-8f44bb54a646\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-transplant-a-tree\/#0-best-time-to-transplant-a-tree\" style=\"\">Best time to transplant a tree<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-transplant-a-tree\/#1-how-to-transplant-a-tree-in-4-steps\" style=\"\">How to transplant a tree in 4 steps<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-transplant-a-tree\/#6-how-big-a-tree-can-you-transplant\" style=\"\">How big a tree can you transplant<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-transplant-a-tree\/#7-how-to-avoid-transplant-shock\" style=\"\">How to avoid transplant shock<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-transplant-a-tree\/#8-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-best-time-to-transplant-a-tree\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"best-time-to-transplant-a-tree\">Best time to transplant a tree<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Move a tree during its <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.umd.edu\/resource\/planting-tree-or-shrub\">dormant season<\/a>, when it is not actively growing and can handle the stress more easily. The two best windows are fall, after the leaves drop but before the ground freezes, and early spring, before new buds break.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Season<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Window<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Why it works<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fall<\/td><td>After the leaves drop, before the ground freezes<\/td><td>Roots settle over winter, so the tree is ready to grow in spring<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spring<\/td><td>Early spring, before buds break<\/td><td>Good for colder regions where the ground freezes hard<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fall transplanting lets the roots settle over winter so the tree is ready to grow when spring arrives. Spring transplanting works well in colder regions where the ground freezes hard. Either way, root-prune a season ahead to help the tree bounce back.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"1-how-to-transplant-a-tree-in-4-steps\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-transplant-a-tree-in-4-steps\">How to transplant a tree in 4 steps<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transplanting a tree comes down to 4 steps: prune the roots ahead of time, prep the new planting site, prep the tree for the move, and replant it. Take your time with each one to keep the root ball intact and the tree healthy.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-step-1-prune-the-roots\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"step-1-prune-the-roots\">Step 1: Prune the roots<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Tools you&#8217;ll need: <\/em><\/strong>twine, flat spade, shovel, pruning shears, loppers, mulch<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, prune your tree&#8217;s roots months before you actually transplant it. Root pruning encourages the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/fieldreport.caes.uga.edu\/fall-is-the-time-to-plant-and-transplant-trees-and-shrubs\/\">growth of feeder roots<\/a>, the fibrous roots that absorb the most nutrients and water.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pruning the roots minimizes the risk of transplant shock once the tree is in its new location. The roots within the pruned area grow into a new, strong, confined root system that is ideal for transplanting.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For best results, prune tree roots in late fall or early spring. Prune in spring to transplant in fall, and in fall to transplant in spring. Fall pruning lets the feeder roots grow over winter without also supporting new top growth.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water the base of the tree and its roots well the day before pruning<\/strong> with either a drip system or a hose set to low flow. This helps the soil stick to the roots and makes digging much easier.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Determine how much of the roots to prune.<\/strong> A good rule of thumb for <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu\/encyclopedia\/transplanting-trees-and-shrubs\">root ball size<\/a> is that for every inch of trunk, the root ball should be pruned to 1 foot in diameter, or 6 inches out from the trunk in each direction.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For large trees with trunks more than 2 or 3 inches in diameter, consider reaching out to a tree service, since the tree may be too heavy and fragile to move on your own.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dig a trench<\/strong> 6 to 12 inches from the trunk, depending on how big your root ball should be. Dig it about 2 feet deep and 1 foot wide.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, make sure there are no underground utilities that could get damaged, and use twine to tie back any low-hanging branches in your way. Push the spade into the soil with enough force to sever the roots, continuing all the way around the tree.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Keep your topsoil and subsoil separate<\/strong> as you place both off to the side.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Refill the trench<\/strong> with soil high in organic matter, such as a mix of two parts topsoil and one part compost.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Finally, add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch<\/strong> on top of the soil to retain moisture and prevent cold damage. Keep the mulch from touching the trunk or any stems.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AdobeStock_76819856.jpg\" alt=\"Shovel adding dark soil into a planting hole dug in a green lawn with standing water at the bottom\" class=\"wp-image-45578\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AdobeStock_76819856.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AdobeStock_76819856-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AdobeStock_76819856-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AdobeStock_76819856-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AdobeStock_76819856-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dig a new hole where you&#8217;re planting the tree and make it three times wider than the root ball. Photo Credit: Roman Milert \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <h3 id=\"3-step-2-prep-the-new-site\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"step-2-prep-the-new-site\">Step 2: Prep the new site<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Tools you&#8217;ll need: <\/em><\/strong>shovel, hose<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Choose your ideal new site,<\/strong> making sure the tree and its root system will have enough space to grow, along with the right soil, light, and water conditions. Picture the established tree and what that species will need.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dig a new hole at your chosen site<\/strong> that is three times as wide as the root ball and the same depth. If you dig too deep, the roots can rot. Again, keep the topsoil and subsoil separate.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water the hole well<\/strong> to help hold the root ball together during transplanting.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-step-3-prep-the-tree-to-transplant\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"step-3-prep-the-tree-to-transplant\">Step 3: Prep the tree to transplant<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Tools you&#8217;ll need: <\/em><\/strong>shovel, sharp spade, pruning shears, loppers<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Keep your tree well-watered<\/strong> between root pruning and transplanting. Water the soil around the entire circle of your trench one day before transplanting.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dig around your tree<\/strong> with a sharp spade about 6 inches out from the pruned roots, making sure to include all the new feeder roots. Get fully under the root ball by digging at least 1 to 2 feet down.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cut any old roots missed during the earlier pruning with pruning shears or loppers.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dig around and under the root ball<\/strong> to sever any remaining roots underneath. Do this carefully to keep the root ball intact, then gently rock it back and forth to ease it loose.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-tree-soil.jpg\" alt=\"Person watering the base of a tree with a watering can and bucket to moisten soil and protect roots before freezing.\" class=\"wp-image-42437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-tree-soil.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-tree-soil-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-tree-soil-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-tree-soil-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">After transplanting, water around the tree and out to the edge of the hole. Photo Credit: zoomingfoto1712 \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <h3 id=\"5-step-4-transplant-the-tree\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"step-4-transplant-the-tree\">Step 4: Transplant the tree<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Tools you&#8217;ll need: <\/em><\/strong>shovel, natural burlap, twine, mulch, hose<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Use burlap to lift out your tree.<\/strong> Never lift by the trunk. Place a sheet of burlap in the hole and shimmy it under the roots. It should be big enough to wrap around the entire root ball.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Move your tree to its new location<\/strong> by securing the burlap with twine and carrying it. For a heavy tree, set the root ball on a tarp and drag it, which protects the roots and keeps the soil intact.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Place your tree in the prepped hole<\/strong>, making sure the base of the trunk is level with the ground. Once it is secure, remove the burlap and twine.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fill in the soil<\/strong>, placing the subsoil on the bottom and the topsoil over it. Water thoroughly around the tree and out to the edge of the hole.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Finally, add 2 to 4 inches of mulch<\/strong> around the base, keeping it off the trunk.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;I really recommend putting down a 2-to-4-inch layer of wood chips over the dirt to lock in that moisture, but make sure you pull it back so it doesn&#8217;t actually touch the bark, because the trunk will trap moisture and start to rot,&#8221; says Mike Marlow, co-founder and owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heroeslawncare.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Heroes Lawn Care<\/a> in Omaha, Nebraska.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-must-have-pruning-tools\/\">Must-Have Pruning Tools for Trimming Bushes, Trees, and Plants<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-mulch-around-trees\/\">How to Mulch Around Trees<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"6-how-big-a-tree-can-you-transplant\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-big-a-tree-can-you-transplant\">How big a tree can you transplant<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The size of the tree decides whether this is a weekend project or a job for a pro. A small tree, one with a trunk about 2 inches thick or less measured near the base, is manageable for most homeowners. Home gardeners can usually <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu\/how-to\/how-transplant-small-trees\">transplant small trees<\/a> under that size themselves. Anything larger gets heavy and fragile fast.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Root balls are dense and hard to move without damaging the roots, so know your limits. If the tree is too big to lift safely, it is worth bringing in a professional with the right equipment.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/reasons-to-hire-a-certified-arborist\/\">5 Reasons to Hire a Certified Arborist<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"7-how-to-avoid-transplant-shock\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-avoid-transplant-shock\">How to avoid transplant shock<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transplant shock happens when a tree struggles to draw enough water through its reduced root system. You can lower the risk by root-pruning ahead of time, keeping as much of the root ball as possible, and watering well before and after the move.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watch for <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umass.edu\/agriculture-food-environment\/landscape\/newsletters\/hort-notes\/hort-notes-2026-vol-375\">wilting, off-color leaves<\/a>, or leaf drop in the weeks after transplanting. Keep the soil consistently moist, add a layer of mulch, and give the tree time. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/mortonarb.org\/plant-and-protect\/tree-plant-care\/plant-care-resources\/caring-for-new-transplants\/\">Recovery takes time<\/a>, often about a year for every inch of trunk diameter.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-take-care-of-trees-during-drought\/\">How to Take Care of Trees During a Drought<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"8-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17890684957317912\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can you transplant a tree in summer?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Summer is the hardest time to transplant because the tree is in full leaf and loses water quickly, which raises the risk of shock. If you must move it in summer, keep the root ball large, water heavily, and expect a slower recovery.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17890684957313311\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Should you fertilize a tree right after transplanting?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Hold off on fertilizer right after transplanting. A stressed tree needs to rebuild its roots first, and fresh fertilizer can push top growth the roots cannot yet support. Wait until the tree shows healthy new growth, usually the following season.<br><br>&#8220;Feeding it too early creates chemical salts that actually suck water away from the fragile roots, and it forces the tree to waste energy growing leaves when it should be fixing its root system,&#8221; Marlow says.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17890684957319178\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do you need to stake a transplanted tree?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most small transplanted trees do not need staking and grow stronger trunks without it. Stake only if the tree is top-heavy or in a windy spot, and remove the stakes after one growing season so the trunk can develop naturally.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"9-get-extra-hands-to-help\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"get-extra-hands-to-help\">Get extra hands to help<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that you know the steps for transplanting a tree, you can get out there and shape the yard you want. And remember, not everything has to be a solo project.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the job feels too big or your tree is just too heavy, reach out to one of Lawn Love&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\">local lawn care pros<\/a> for a hand.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main photo credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/ozgurcoskun\">Ozgur Coskun<\/a> | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/transplanting-new-young-maple-tree-garden-1111266677\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/p>    <img>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to transplant a tree without killing it. Get the best timing, a simple 4-step process, root ball tips, and how to avoid transplant shock.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":58,"featured_media":11805,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[295],"tags":[342],"class_list":["post-11742","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tree-care","tag-tree-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_transplant_tree.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Madeline Hoppe","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/madeline-hoppe\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11742","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/58"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11742"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11742\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49696,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11742\/revisions\/49696"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11805"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11742"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11742"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11742"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}