A friend is going to get rid of a maple (not sure of proper name), as it had become too large for present site. It is a dwarf variety. Its is about 8 Ft. high and about the same in width. The is a little bit of a white substance on some of the leaves, otherwise the trees looks to be in good health. Nothing showing on the bark. The tree is going to be removed anyhow. Would someone have any advice before we dig this tree up. Thank you
Dig after leaves drop. Choose root volume retention over intact soil ball, bare-rooting if necessary in order to get more roots instead of chopping the roots down to a size that is manageable in order to keep soil on them. When it gets down to it you are moving a tree, not the earth it is growing in. Roots can be kept moister by working on a dull or damp day, spraying them with water periodically, and covering them during the move. Having a big hole dug before the move can reduce the amount of time the tree is out of the ground.
