TRANSPLANTING a young plum tree approx. 5 feet tall that sprouted from a larger tree.

Question

How large should the root ball be and if wrapped in burlap should the burlap be removed when placing it in the new location?

Answer 1

You should dig out about 2 feet in each direction to ensure that you get enough roots. The root ball, once compacted into the burlap with a little potting soil should be about a foot to a foot and a half wide.

Many people leave the burlap, as it will decompose, but I prefer to remove it. This has been known to cause a fungal infection at times, as it can remain wet and rot.