your thoughts are tending to complicate the whole thing for a 3-4 foot plant ....

in zone 5 ... as soon as the soil is workable .... say 4/1 .... dig new hole ... dig them up .. 2 foot rootball ... drag to new hole.. drop in.. water properly ... which might be once at planting.. and not again until june...

walk away ... refill original hole... mulch well ...

root pruning will only add multiple stresses to the plant.. just do it once and be done with it..

timing is everything and april is perfect ... 6 to 8 weeks of spring root growth before the heat of summer starts ....

you are responsible for all water this summer .. and in drought next summer ... they should dry out between waterings .... insert finger or hand trowel to insure such ...

do not amend the planting holes.. and no fert is necessary ...

since you will be doing it at the right time.. even if all the soil falls off and they bare root themselves.. don't worry about it ... trust me.. i have no other option in my pure sand.. if you have clay .... just do it ...

good luck

ken

Thanks for holding my hand! I'm used to planting trees and shrubs, but I've not done much moving, and never of a conifer. I will heed your advice (and put on my best "What, me worry?" face).