trunk

Production of new roots - such as roots coming from cut root ends - by hardy trees is caused by hormones sent to the root ends from opening winter stem buds. So roots pruned in fall aren't going to start growing back until spring bud break.

And success of advance root pruning depends on the new roots made in response to the root pruning not being cut off when the plant is dug up later.

Wait until the leaves fall from your tree, dig around it - once - and move it to the new spot then.

At the same time that you first cut the roots.

in tree time.. it wioll be incredibly stressed a month later ... defeating your purposes ...

just dig it up once.. and move it ... sharpen your shovel first.. it makes a big difference ....

dig approx new hole first ....

start digging 3 feet away from the trunk.. so you can make the 3 foot ball you want ... if you start digging too close .... you will destroy the integrity of the root ball ...

dig a cylinder straight down.. then under cut it at the depth you want ...

have you figured out.. how you are going to lift the thing.. since you wont be able to stand above it??? ... popping a disc.. and back surgery is a variable ... be careful ....

see link below ... and just scale it up ... a tree is a tree ....

frankly.. if it were in my yard ... i would declare it perfectly sited.. and leave it alone.. lol ...

ken

btw: i would do it.. when the leaves turn color.. or have just fallen off.. the idea is that you arent trying to save the leaves.. for this season .... i dont know if that is nov in your area ...and if you do it earlier.. and they fall off a few weeks early.. it doesnt matter ....

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/how-to-transpalnt-a-conifer-tree-huge-pix-post-dsvw-vd~1827881

Thank you very much. This is all excellent advice. I will transplant once, shortly after leaves fall. Pics of transplant helpful, upside down garbage can lid to help excavate rootball great! Technique of first using shovel to define rootball but then digging outside and around that very instructive (rather than simply trying to pry rootball away from existing earth).

ken, fyi - leaving that Shaina alone (which you wisely suggested) and getting another for new desired site was an option, but unfortunately the only local nursery which carries JMs now has none!

growitnow

"but unfortunately the only local nursery which carries JMs now has none!"

Will they not have more in the spring? I would place my order for a specific culitvar now (most nurseries place their tree orders in early fall for the following season). Then you won't have to go through all the hoohaa of moving the Shaina. The new space will only be wanting for a few more months......... :-)

agree with gal ... on ordering in for spring ...

sounds like you are hoping for an end of season bargain plant ...

i would mail order a spectacular new tree .. like you might never find locally ... for fall delivery [or spring] ... here is a link to see whats out there ...

https://www.coniferkingdom.com/japanese-maples-2/

i mean really .. put the money into it being out of the ordinary.. rather than instant gratification size ... they are maples ... its hard to beat them back with a stick ... lol ... once they get going ....

i am glad you are leaving it.. there are things you can do.. and things you should do ... and in this case.. you should leave it alone .. short of a major reason.. like a house addition or some such ... if you search prices at that link.. you will probably find your tree is worth.. retail .. 300 to 700 bucks ... why kill it ... [though they dont have your in particular. on your spelling anyway ...]

good luck .. ken

Hi,

I am glad I posted this question because from your helpful remarks yes I have decided to leave Shaina where it happily is, and obtain a new one (or other) in spring. The main reason for desire to move is that I did not site it well. The site seems good for growth and health of tree, but not great location from main viewing point of patio. I was going to move it to a more visible location and one with more sun to aid fall color.

Unfortunately, among the two local nurseries that carry JMs (and one has a moderately extensive stock list), neither accepts ordering. So I am left with mail order, or 'wait and see what they got' come spring.

Ken, I don't mean to bring this post off track but do ask for one follow up. You mention Coniferkingdom - I am familiar with this site but not from any order experience. I have only mail ordered JM one time a few years ago (Davidsansjapanesemaples; two Winter Flame; cultivar selection in fact aided by gardengal. I was very pleased with purchase). Do you recommend Coniferkingdom?

Thanks for your help. I am grateful kind and more experienced folk are willing to share their experience in these forums. It does aid and, in some cases progress, the unwashed such as me. :)

growitnow

z7b, Eastern Va

I am spoiled in that mail order for JM's is just not necessary where I live :-) My own local nursery carries a huge selection each year (100+ cultivars) and I can order something specific if I like. But I do realize that it may be a necessity elsewhere. Check out this recent thread on mail order sources : best mail order nurseries for Japanese maples. Personally, I would not purchase from any ebay or other, non-nursery vendor but that's just me. YMMV