How to Transplant a Red Pine

Dig a trench 6 to 8 inches deep in a circle around the trunk, slicing through any lateral roots of the red pine in the process. For tiny seedlings under 2 feet in height, dig the trench so that the edge closest to the trunk makes a circle with an 8-inch radius. For saplings up to 6 feet tall, make the inner edge of the trench about 16 inches from the trunk.

Slice into the soil at the bottom of the trench at a 45-degree angle toward the taproot on small seedlings. Pry up gently on all sides to see if the taproot will come free without breaking.

Continue to dig the trench an additional 6 to 8 inches deep around the trunk.

Slice again into the soil at the bottom of the trench at a 45-degree angle toward the taproot. Pry up gently on all sides of the root mass to free the taproot. Continue prying until the taproot comes free. If necessary, excavate the soil around the taproot and cut it at a depth of at least 16 inches.

Choose a location that will accommodate the mature size of a red pine and provide for its basic growing requirements. Red pines can eventually grow up to 80 feet tall and 30 feet wide and need full sun, excellent drainage and acidic soil conditions.

Transport the excavated tree to its new location, being careful to preserve the soil around the root ball. To move larger trees, slide a tarp or burlap sheet under the root ball and have one person lift up on each corner to carefully move the tree.

Dig a hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root ball. Place the tree in the center of the hole, making sure the trunk is straight and begin to replace the soil around the roots. Plant the tree so that the top of the roots are at the same level as the surrounding soil.

Water deeply and spread 3 or 4 inches of mulch around the tree to conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Continue to water the tree on a weekly basis for the first year after transplanting, whenever the top 2 inches of soil are dry.