Re: Part I - moving Japanese Maple?

This post got bounced for being too long, so am resending in two
parts...

===========
Well, have not moved that size Japanese maple, but have moved some
pretty substantial yews in my day.  Do not think a rootball the same
size as the canopy is actually necessary, although the tree wouldn't
mind.  Would have been totally delightful if you had trenched last
year, but since you didn't and the choice is between moving and
cutting down, I would give moving it the old college try.

First, dig as large a ball as you can actually handle with the help
of (hopefully) at least one and two fairly strong backs...this should
be out from the trunk of the tree about 18" which would give you a
ball diameter at the top of around 3 feet...quite meaty; the depth
would probably also be about 18" or so.  If, when you've created a
ball that size, it appears impossible to shift, shave it down a bit,
but try to keep it as large as you can move it.

Get some boards (2x4's or 2x6's about 5 or 6' long) and pieces of
1/2" or 5/8" plywood on hand - some smaller and one at least large
enough to hold the rootball and provide space for gripping (see
below) as well as a large piece of burlap (you can buy this by the
roll at most garden centers or DIY places) or, failing that, old
sheets or bedspreads or curtains - some strong type of material to
use to ball it with.

Dig a trench around the OUTSIDE of the ball you intend to dig,
carefully cutting roots that you encounter off flush with the outside
of the ball.  Start digging under the root ball and work your way
around the tree.....cutting roots you encounter as you find them.
Clean cuts are what you want here.  You will probably have to go
around a few times before you get really under this tree.  When it
starts to move when you heave up on it, start inserting boards under
it while prying it up with your spade on one side until you have it
up enough to work the burlap or other material under it.  Then, move
your boards and do the other side....really need two people to do
this operation, but it can be done by one strong person swearing a
lot.

Your root ball will be somewhat 'V' shaped - broader at the top than
at the bottom...very shallow 'V'.

continued in Part 2......................

 Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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