How to Remove a Tree for Transplant

Water the tree two or three days before digging. Ask utility companies to mark underground utilities before you dig.

Tie branches together to prevent injury to the tree. North Dakota State University Extension suggests marking the trunk of the tree to face the same direction after it's transplanted. This prevents sunscald after transplant.

Remove large stems near the soil surface. Mark the soil around the perimeter of the tree, one foot beyond the anticipated root system. Dig just outside the markings. Using a sharp spade, dig a trench at least 2 feet deep, removing the soil and cutting through extraneous roots. Angle the backside of the spade facing the plant to prevent root injury. Cut large roots with lopping shears and smaller roots with the spade. Shape the soil and roots to resemble a root ball.

Dig completely underneath the tree, freeing all roots, before attempting removal. Tilt the root ball at a 45-degree angle and slide rolled burlap underneath half of the root ball. Tilt the ball in the opposite direction and pull the burlap the rest of the way under the roots. Continue upwards, wrapping the root ball with burlap until you reach the top. Wrap and tie twine underneath and around the burlap to secure the root ball. Tilt the tree and slide another piece of burlap underneath the root ball. Use the burlap as a sling to lift the tree out of the hole. Tree root balls can weigh a few hundred pounds and may require professional help for removal. Keep the roots moist and protect the transplant from temperature extremes, sunlight and wind.

Use the bareroot transplant method for smaller trees that are being replanted immediately. While digging the trench around the tree, use water to remove the soil from the lateral roots. Continue digging and rinsing the roots until you are near the bottom of the root ball. Tilt the tree and rinse the roots under one half of the tree. Tilt in the opposite direction, rinse and remove the roots under the other half of the tree. Lift the tree out of the hole by the base of the trunk, trimming anchor and taproots to free the tree. Keep roots of the bareroot transplant damp by packing in peat moss and wrapping in paper or plastic. Transplant as soon as possible.