How to Transplant a Weeping Cherry Tree

Overview

A weeping cherry tree should be moved in early spring while the ground is moist and the days are somewhat cool. How difficult it will be to transplant a weeping cherry depends entirely on how large the tree is. The real problem is the size of the root ball you must dig and move. Digging and moving the root ball of a large, mature tree can be quite a challenge. The smaller the tree the easier it is going to be to move.

Step 1

Determine how big of a root ball you will need to dig and move. A good rule of thumb is to measure the diameter of the tree's trunk about 1 foot off the ground and multiply that number by 18. For example, if the diameter of the tree's trunk is 6 inches, you would multiply 6 inches by 18 to get 108 inches. That's a root ball approximately 9 feet across. The root ball also needs to be approximately 2 feet deep.

Step 2

Using digging equipment, dig the root ball out of the ground.

Step 3

Lift the tree and the root ball out of the ground and wrap the root ball with a plastic or canvas tarp. Tie the tarp securely to hold as much dirt as possible around the cherry tree's roots.

Step 4

Lift the tree and its wrapped root ball onto the bed of a flatbed truck. This may require a hoist or several stout friends depending on the size of the tree and the root ball.

Step 5

Prepare a hole in which to plant the weeping cherry tree. The hole should be approximately twice the size of the root ball.

Step 6

Fill the hole with a 50/50 mixture of mulch and loose soil until the hole is approximately the same size as the root ball. Moisten the hole and the mulch well.

Step 7

Lift the tree off the truck and remove the tarp. Lower the root ball (and the tree) into the hole and cover the root ball with soil until the tree is covered to the same depth as it was before it was moved.

Step 8

Pack the soil down slightly. Water the tree thoroughly.