so what should I know before digging it up? Thanks. Before pruning, it grows to about 8’ high and 8’ wide and is very healthy. Thanks
It could be a taller specimen, depending on which rootstock was used.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/dappled-japanese-willow.htm
Here is an article for pruning:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/japanese-willow-pruning.htm
Moving it is best done in early spring or late fall.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/transplanting-trees.htm
I read your overview on how to cut back a Japanese Willow Tree, but is there anything I should do to my tree for either Trim purposes or fertilizing that I should be doing now in October? I am in Zone 6A. We won't get a hard frost until November. Should I wait until the hard frost to trim it way back? Thanks!!!
Wait until late winter to prune. Then, if needed, you can prune again in midsummer. Usually pruning isn't done in the fall because the stems won't have time to harden off before winter. By the same token, it isn't recommended to fertilize in fall and promote new growth that could be killed in winter.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/japanese-willow-pruning.htm