How to Move a Magnolia Tree

Magnolia trees

The magnolia, a flowering tree, grows native in parts of southeastern Asia and the eastern United States. With approximately 80 different species, magnolias are favored by gardeners as low-maintenance, hardy and pest-resistant trees. The average homeowner can move a small magnolia tree, but larger magnolias may require professionals to successfully transplant the tree. Once a magnolia trunk has reached approximately 4 inches in diameter, it becomes more difficult to move the tree without causing severe damage.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Potting soil
• Organic mulch
• Peat moss
• Tree stakes

Instructions

1. Cut a few of the small roots just inside the tree rootball a few months to a year prior to transplanting your magnolia tree. The magnolia is best transplanted in the spring, so cut the roots during the summer or fall in the year prior to transplanting. This will cause the cut roots to branch, which will help the tree reestablish itself after transplantation. To encourage quick branching, cut only small roots that are no more than 1 inch in diameter. Since magnolia trees have a shallow root system, you will only need to dig down a few inches to reach the roots for trimming. Use a pair of sharp pruning shears to cleanly slice the root, then replace the top soil until you are ready to transplant the tree.

2. Dig out the rootball of the tree after the last deep frost in the spring before the tree begins to bud. Dig the rootball as wide around as you can manage to improve the chances of a successful transplant. The depth of the root ball should be sufficient enough to remove all of the roots, but is not as important as the width because the roots of the magnolia tree grow within the top 12 inches of the soil. If you are unable to immediately replant the magnolia tree, wrap the root ball in a damp, moisture retaining material like burlap or canvass until you are able to plant it.

3. Dig a hole at least two to three times larger than the diameter of the root ball. If the new tree location is in an area with thick clay soil, score the sides of the hole after digging so they are rough and not smooth. If the soil within the new hole is dry, water the soil before placing the tree in the hole.

4. Center the magnolia tree in the hole. You may require the assistance of an additional person to hold the tree while you stabilize the root ball. Add a mixture of organic compost, peat moss and soil around the tree to help settle the tree in place. Gently tamp down the soil mixture as it is added, but do not compress the soil tightly. Place enough soil around the tree base to create a small 2 to 3-inch mound around the base of the tree.

5. Stake the tree into place using two tree stakes placed opposite of one another. Wrap a length of nonabrasive material around the tree and attach to one stake. Use another length of material to level the tree and attach it to the second stake.

6. Water the tree immediately after planting. Thereafter, monitor the soil around the tree and water as necessary to prevent the soil from drying out. The soil should remain damp but not saturated. Apply a layer of mulch 3 to 4 inches deep around the soil surface of the root system.

References

• The United States National Arboretum: Magnolia Questions and Answers
• North Dakota State University Agriculture and University Extension: Transplanting Trees and Shrubs
• Tree Boss: Transplanting Trees