How to Transplant Blue Spruce Trees That Are 12 Feet Tall

Measure the diameter of the blue spruce trunk at the widest point. Multiply the diameter by 12 to determine the width of root ball to remove. A 4-inch-diameter trunk requires a 48-inch-wide root ball.

Determine the depth to dig by multiplying the trunk diameter by 6. A 4-inch-diameter trunk means digging down 24 inches.

Dig out the root mass using the calculations from Steps 1 and 2. Pry the root ball out of the ground using three or four planks as levers. Clip any roots with clean pruning shears if they prevent you from lifting the tree from the ground.

Lift the tree from the ground by holding the root ball, not by pulling on the trunk. Set the root ball in the center of a clean tarp. Wrap the edges of the tarp around the roots to hold the soil in place and limit moisture loss.

Move the blue spruce to the new planting area. Dig a planting hole that is the same depth as the root ball and about twice as wide. Rough up the soil on the sides of the hole with the shovel to make it easier for the roots to penetrate.

Mix an equal amount of compost with the removed soil. Open the tarp and set the root ball into the hole so the tree is at the same depth as it was previously growing and standing straight.

Pack the amended soil around the root ball to fill one-half of the hole. Fill the remaining one-half of the hole with water and wait for it to soak into the soil. After the water has drained, fill the rest of the hole with the amended soil. Soak the area over the root ball with about 5 gallons of water to compact the soil and remove air pockets.

Soak the soil over the root ball with about 5 gallons of water two to three times a week when there is no rain to help with root establishment during the first six months after planting.