How to Transplant a Shumard Red Oak

Choose the location where you want to plant the tree. It should have ample sunlight and away from sidewalks, driveways and foundations. Allow at least 20 feet of space between the Shumard and other trees and shrubs.

Prepare the site by pulling out all the vegetation in a 5- to 6-foot-diameter circle.

Dig a planting hole that is twice as wide and twice as deep as the root ball.

Fill the hole with water and allow it to drain into the soil. This helps the tree to have adequate moisture deep in the soil.

Amend the soil removed from the hole with 2 to 3 inches of compost.

Remove the tree from the container after the water has drained from the hole. If the root ball does not pull easily from the container, cut the container open. Be very careful so you do not disturb the root ball. If the roots are visible, gently pull them away from the root ball with your fingers.

Backfill the hole with the amended soil until it is slightly less than two-thirds full.

Insert the root ball in the center of the hole. Check to make sure the tree is at the same level it was in the container. If it is higher than 1/4 to 1/2 inch, remove some of the soil under the root ball.

Fill the hole with soil, tamping the soil gently with your hands to remove air pockets.

Water the tree to settle the soil. Turn the water on to a slow flow and allow it to run until the soil is wet to a depth of 12 inches. Throughout the first growing season, water daily over a period of seven days, then water once a week. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

Add a 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the tree, keeping the mulch 1 to 2 inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps control weeds and maintain soil moisture.