How to Transplant Hemlocks
- 1). Scout out and decide upon a suitable, 4- to 5-foot-tall hemlock sapling for transplant in fall or early spring when the trees are not actively growing. Hemlock trees should not be transplanted in summer.
- 2). Choose a planting site for the hemlock with full to partial sun, loamy soil and good drainage. Amend heavy clay soil with an equal measure of compost. Avoid boggy or heavily shaded areas since the tree will suffer under those conditions.
- 3). Dig a planting hole at the chosen transplant site before excavating the hemlock sapling. Make the planting hole deep enough to accommodate the root ball, which is typically one-third the depth of the tree's height. For example, a 4-foot hemlock will have a 16-inch-deep root ball. Use a pointed shovel to excavate the hole.
- 4). Excavate the hemlock sapling once the planting hole is completed. Measure out around the circumference created by the edge of the widest branches. Dig down to a depth equal to one-third the height of the tree.
- 5). Lift the hemlock from the ground by the root ball instead of grasping the trunk. Employ several people to help since the tree will be heavy. Wrap the root ball in wet burlap and secure it with rope to keep the roots moist while transporting it.
- 6). Fill the bottom 1 to 2 inches of the planting hole with soil. Unwrap the root ball of the hemlock. Settle the root ball into the hole so that the base of the trunk sits 1 inch above the surrounding ground level. Add more soil under the root ball, if needed.
- 7). Fill in around the hemlock with soil excavated from the planting hole until the roots are completely covered and the tree feels sturdy in the hole. Tamp the soil around the base with the flat side of a shovel or by carefully walking on it.
- 8). Water the hemlock tree with 1 gallon of water per each gallon of volume in the root ball. Allow the water to soak in before watering one to two hours later.
- 9). Spread a 2-inch-thick layer of pine mulch around the base of the transplanted hemlock. Leave a 2-inch gap between the layer of mulch and the base of the hemlock to allow for some moisture evaporation.
- 10
Water to a depth of 2 inches once a week for at least six months after transplanting the hemlock. Do not water it during weeks when measurable precipitation falls.
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