If you think you can dig around the drip line of the 'Bird's Nest' (I imagine) Spruce, slide it onto a tarp and transport it into a prepared new resting place, then I think it could be done. Fall just before going into dormancy would be best.

I think the bigger question is whether you can grow hosta in zone 1b. Most hosta list USDA zone 3 as the coldest recommended. Do you know of anyone doing this? I think it would be hard to do if a USDA zone 1....or is 1b that Canadian system?

Pictures, a measured size and transferring the question to the conifers forum would get a more expert answer on the relocation.

Jon

Yeah Jon, it's a Canadian system. I'm thinking of removing it from my ID as it only seems to cause people to recoil in horror, and distracts from the point of my post often.
My area in central Manitoba can sustain hosta. We usually have reliable snow cover all winter. In fact the nest spruce seems to require it. Anything sticking out of the snow last winter died.
It measures 5 ft x 6 ft. It will be a daunting task requiring the help of my DH.
I don't have much of a picture of it, as it doesn't inspire me to take one. It's just a green blob. Here's a bit of it next to August Moon.

It was a tough year here with many, many days below zero (F). I have a Bird's Nest Spruce about 3 feet across and I think that is doable. I think 6 feet across is taking a big chance. That is quite an undertaking. I don't think I would attempt it, but if you don't like it then what have you got to lose. I do like mine.

Jon

i wasnt aware a 'nest' spruce got 5 feet tall .. compare at link

i question your ID ..

and frankly.. no 5 foot plain green conifer.. is worth the extreme heavy labor to move ...

i would cut it to the ground.. and it will be dead..

and i would go spend 20 bucks on a new one ... a true one ..

and i would spend the 8 hours of heavy labor i saved.. touring a garden ... crikey.. doing anything but digging a 3 foot round ball and burlap ...

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link

Sorry Ken, for being unclear. I was measuring it both ways, since it was wider in one direction than the other. It is only about a foot tall max. Just trying to give an idea of how large it is. If you read my post you'd know I don't want another one. I want its space to plant some hosta.

Why hosta?They attract nothing but ugly filthy slimy disgusting SLUGS!

This is a very old post. The nest spruce is long gone now. You were right miles10612, it would have been a daunting job to move it without the right equipment.