Moving Rowan tree

[minskey]

Do you think it would be possible to move a rowan tree? Its about 8ft tall. If it is possible, when is the best time of year to do so?

[Aberdeenplotter]

move it in the dormant season but you will need to take a sizeable root ball. May be very diffiult to do by hand with that size of tree

[minskey]

Thats what I thought; when will it be dormant, October November?

It will have to be when its quite wet, soil here is heavy clay, when its dry it is like concrete. We have a forklift, I thought if I wrapped the trunk really well and lifted it with that it would be OK.

[endymion]

It'll be dormant when all the leaves have fallen off. Move it as soon after that as you can, because new roots will grow during the winter.

There's a 'trick' about moving trees and shrubs. Dig/cut a circle all round it now. Just use a spade to cut downwards, at about the same distance from the trunk as you will when you move it. This cuts all the thicker side roots and little ones grow, which help it settle in.