Transplanting Arborvitae: Everything You Need To Know!

Need to move your Arborvitae? Whether you're giving your evergreen beauty a better home or rearranging your landscape design, transplanting Arborvitae can be done successfully with the right timing and care!

Arborvitae, also known as "Tree of Life", lives up to its name when properly transplanted. These lush, feathery evergreens are treasured for their versatility in hedges, privacy screens, and landscape accents.

But before you dig in, let's root out all the essential steps to get your plant moved, and when not to move your Arborvitae.

Why Transplant Arborvitae?

There are many reasons to move an Arborvitae:

It's struggling in its current spot (poor light or drainage)
You're redesigning your landscape
You want to boost your privacy screen or windbreak
It's shading out other plants or getting too big for its boots
Other trees or a new building/structure are shading out your Arborvitae

Whatever your reason, transplanting an Arborvitae can give your Tree of Life a whole new lease on life, just time it right and treat it well!

When You Should Not Transplant Arborvitae

Sometimes, the best move is not to move. Mature Arborvitae trees that are more than 8-10 years old can be difficult, if not impossible, to transplant successfully due to their massive, well-established root systems.

Digging them up often causes extensive root damage and transplant shock that older trees may not recover from. If your Arborvitae has reached a large size or has been thriving in its current spot for many years, it's best to work around it or consider planting a new one in your desired location.

Also, avoid transplanting during extreme weather, like summer heat, droughts, or freezing winter conditions, as the stress can be too much for even younger plants. If your Arborvitae is already showing signs of disease, pests, or stress, hold off on moving it until it's healthy again. A weak plant is less likely to survive the disruption. When in doubt, consult a local arborist or garden center expert.

Avoid transplanting Arborvitae in these conditions:

The plant is too well established or over 8-10 years old
If digging it up will cause significant root damage
Mid-summer heatwaves or drought: This can cause transplant shock due to intense sunlight and water loss.
Frozen ground or overly wet soil: Roots won't establish well.
During active new growth (spring flush): You risk damaging tender roots and buds.

When Is The Best Time To Transplant Arborvitae?

The golden window for transplanting Arborvitae is during the fall or spring. Ideally, from late August through early November, depending on your growing zone. Autumn offers cooler temperatures, reduced water stress, and time for the roots to establish before winter sets in.

Transplanting in early spring (before new growth begins) is the second-best option. Avoid the heat and stress of summer, and never transplant when the ground is frozen or during drought/heat wave conditions.

Avoid transplanting Arborvitae in these conditions:

Mid-summer heatwaves or drought: This can cause transplant shock due to intense sunlight and water loss.
Frozen ground or overly wet soil: Roots won’t establish well.
During active new growth (spring flush): You risk damaging tender roots and buds.

How To Transplant Arborvitae Like a Pro!

Step 1: Prep the Plant

A few days before the move, water your Arborvitae deeply. Moist soil will make digging easier and keep the root ball intact.

Step 2: Dig Carefully

Use a sharp, sterile spade to dig a wide circle around the base of the tree or shrub. Start at least 12 inches from the trunk for smaller plants and up to 24 inches for larger Arborvitae. Go deep enough to capture most of the root system, which can be surprisingly extensive, especially in older trees.

Try to keep the root ball intact as much as possible. Damaged roots can lead to transplant shock, stunted growth, or even death.

Step 3: Gently Remove Soil

Once the Arborvitae is out of the ground, gently remove some soil from the roots. You can lightly shake off excess soil or rinse it off with a hose to inspect the roots. Trim away any damaged or circling roots using sanitized pruners.

Step 4: Choose the Right New Spot

Location is everything! Pick a new site with:

Full to partial sun exposure
Well-drained soil (Arborvitae hates soggy roots)
Room to grow, both in height and width

Avoid planting too close to structures or other plants. Arborvitae needs good air circulation to reduce disease risks.

Step 5: Dig the New Hole

Make the planting hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. Arborvitae prefers a roomy root zone.

Place the shrub or tree so that the root crown (where the roots meet the trunk) sits just an inch below the soil surface. This helps roots access oxygen and prevents rot. Avoid planting too deep or too shallow by reading our Garden Blog on planting depth here.

Step 6: Backfill With Care

Don't forget to grab yourself a packet of Nature Hills Root Booster! This symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi helps plants' roots establish faster, take up moisture and nutrients more easily, and will support your plants' growth for life!

Backfill the hole gradually using the original soil. Gently pack the soil as you go to remove air pockets. Avoid compacting too tightly; roots need to breathe.

Step 7: Water, Mulch & Monitor

Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) for the first few weeks. We recommend using the Finger Test to monitor moisture levels on a daily basis.

Add a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. This helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Aftercare Tips For Transplanted Arborvitae

Water regularly: Especially during dry spells. Deep watering is better than frequent light watering. Continue monitoring water daily through its first summer, or until the ground has frozen if you are transplanting in the autumn.

Skip fertilizer: Wait until the following spring to fertilize. This lets the roots establish without the pressure of pushing out new growth.

Watch for signs of stress: Yellowing or browning needles may indicate transplant shock, water stress, or poor soil conditions.

Making The Move Easier!

When it comes to transplanting Arborvitae, success is all about timing, preparation, and care. Avoid summer scorch and soggy seasons, and your lush green evergreen will be happily rooted in its new home in no time. After all, this Tree of Life loves a fresh start when mother nature gives the all-clear!

Nature Hills Nursery is here to give you the scoop on all the best tricks and tips for a successful gardening journey!

Happy Planting!

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to transplant Arborvitae?

The ideal time to transplant Arborvitae is in early spring or early fall, when cooler temperatures and seasonal rainfall help reduce transplant shock. Avoid hot summer days when heat stress can overwhelm the roots, and steer clear of frozen winter soil that prevents root establishment.

How do I prepare Arborvitae for transplanting?

A few weeks before transplanting, water the Arborvitae deeply and regularly to ensure the roots are well-hydrated. You can also root prune in advance by cutting a circle around the root zone with a sharp spade, which encourages new feeder roots closer to the plant. This helps the Arborvitae settle into its new home more quickly.

How big should the new planting hole be?

The new hole should be about twice as wide but no deeper than the Arborvitae’s root ball. This gives the roots soft, loosened soil to spread into while keeping the plant at the same depth it was previously growing. Planting too deep can suffocate the roots, while planting too shallow exposes them to drying out.

How can I reduce transplant shock for Arborvitae?

To minimize stress, handle the root ball gently, keep it moist during the move, and backfill with native soil (not heavy fertilizer). Mulch around the base to retain moisture, but keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Regular watering, especially during the first growing season, will help the Arborvitae re-establish.

Do Arborvitae need staking after transplanting?

Most Arborvitae won’t need staking if transplanted with an intact root ball and planted firmly. However, tall or top-heavy specimens may benefit from temporary staking in windy sites until their roots anchor securely. Always remove stakes within a year to prevent trunk girdling.

What soil type is best for transplanting Arborvitae?

Arborvitae thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. They adapt to various soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils, but consistently wet or waterlogged conditions will cause root rot. The transplant site should have soil that drains within 24 hours after heavy rain or watering. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or coarse sand before transplanting to improve drainage and ensure long-term success.

How do I properly water Arborvitae after transplanting?

Water transplanted Arborvitae deeply but infrequently, providing 1-2 inches of water per week during the first growing season. Apply water slowly at the base to penetrate 12-18 inches deep, checking soil moisture by inserting your finger 3-4 inches into the ground. In zones 3-8, reduce watering frequency after the first year once the root system establishes. Water early morning and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues on the foliage.

Can mature Arborvitae over 8-10 years old be successfully transplanted?

Transplanting mature Arborvitae over 8-10 years old is extremely challenging and often unsuccessful due to their extensive root systems and shock sensitivity. Trees this age typically have root spreads of 6-8 feet or more, making it nearly impossible to dig an adequate root ball without severe damage. If you must attempt it, do so in early spring or fall when trees are dormant, and prepare for potential 50-70% mortality rates. Consider purchasing new specimens instead, as younger Arborvitae establish much more reliably and will often surpass transplanted mature trees within 3-5 years.

How do I ensure the correct planting depth for Arborvitae?

Plant your Arborvitae at the same depth it was growing in its previous location, ensuring the root flare (where roots meet the trunk) sits at or slightly above ground level. Dig the planting hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball but no deeper than the root ball height. In zones 3-8, avoid planting too deep as this restricts oxygen to roots and can cause decline or death. Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets around the roots.

What mulching practices help newly transplanted Arborvitae?

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch like shredded bark or wood chips around newly transplanted Arborvitae, extending out to the drip line while keeping mulch 3-4 inches away from the trunk. This practice helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds during the critical first growing season. In zones 3-8, refresh the mulch layer each spring to maintain consistent coverage and support healthy root establishment.

Learn How To Transplant Arborvitae Like A Pro!