Shrubs up to 3 feet tall and trees an inch or less in diameter (measured 6 inches above the soil level) can be moved without digging a solid root ball. If pruned wrong and cut back to old growth, the juniper may not produce new growth. Trees which are older than three years are obviously more impressive if you want an instant effect in your garden, but they require considerable care during transplanting, and they need a lot of after-care. Once a juniper reaches a mature size, it can be very difficult to transplant because of the extensive root … During this period the bonsai trees are dormant and cease to grow, so it is ok to continue fertilizing but not necessary. Remove any dead roots with pruning shears. 1- an 8' piece of burlap. The tree transplant has the best chance of success if you act during these periods. Pine trees can be moved and replanted as long as the tree can be taken from the ground without too much damage to the root system. Tilt the spreading juniper onto its side and remove the root ball from the container. She has also written for various online publications. Use the saw to remove the lower branches to the level you need. Juniper trees are nice additions to many yards and add interest to the landscape or can be planted closely together in multiples for privacy, especially along property lines. 1 But for most trees and shrubs, late winter or early spring is the best time for transplanting. You do not need to fertilize a transplanted juniper tree. Another way to trim tall juniper trees is to raise the crown. Choose a new location that is exposed to the same amount of sunlight as the juniper is currently used to, probably full sun to partial shade. Spreading junipers take up to five years to germinate, so it is quicker to grow softwood cuttings. They are useful as understory trees for partially shaded locations or even a fully sunny site, but often planted in improper locations and require transplanting. Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. As relatively hardy trees, pines can be transplanted to new sites and even moved from the wild to a location in a homeowner's yard. Drag (on the tarp) or carry your Juniper tree over to the new hole and dig it out larger, if necessary. The best time to move junipers is in the fall, before the first freeze. Put the tree in the new hole with as much root and soil from the previous hole. Add or remove soil under the root ball to set the top of the root ball level with the ground. Learn about best times for planting both evergreen and deciduous trees. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →. You will have to cut through some roots, but try to keep the main root system intact, if possible. Yes. Moving a mature juniper should be done in the fall. Spreading junipers (Juniperus horizontalis) are also called creeping junipers because of their ground-hugging form. All Rights Reserved. Transplanting Bushes, Shrubs and Trees Got a bush or shrub to move ?