How to Transplant a small tree with This Old House

Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to transplant a tree.

Steps:

1 Wrap tree with rope to protect the branches during transport to new location.

2 Measure the width of tree trunk; multiply by 10 to determine root ball diameter.

3 Tie tope around trunk to represent radius of root ball; scratch root ball diameter in dirt around tree.

4 Cut straight down with square-blade shovel to sever roots all around tree.

5 Dig around the root ball with pointed shovel.

6 Cut thick roots with loppers.

7 Continue digging to undercut tree and reveal root ball.

8 Wrap burlap around root ball and pin with nails.

9 Tie burlap to root ball with string.

10 Push tree onto tree dolly, and pull it from hole.

11 Dig new hole twice as wide as root ball, and 2 inches shorter than height of root ball.

12 Set tree in hole; cut away burlap.

13 Mix starter fertilizer with soil.

14 Back fill around tree with soil; untie the branches.

15 Form 4-inch-high ring of soil around tree.

16 Drive in stakes around tree; secure stakes to tree with plastic ties.

17 Thoroughly water tree with garden hose.

18 Add bark mulch around base of tree.