Can You Dig Up Arborvitae And Replant

Yes, you can dig up arborvitae and replant them successfully if you do it right.
 
Many homeowners wonder if they can dig up arborvitae and replant after a landscaping change or a move.
 
The short answer is yes, but the process requires careful preparation and timing.
 
Arborvitae have a fibrous root system that makes them decent candidates for transplanting.
 
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about when and how to dig up arborvitae and replant them in a new spot.
 
We’ll also look at common mistakes that can kill the tree during the move.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Can You Dig Up Arborvitae and Replant Successfully?

Yes, you can dig up arborvitae and replant them, but success depends on the tree’s size, age, and the season.
 
Younger, smaller arborvitae handle transplanting much better than older giants.
 
Here’s why digging up arborvitae and replanting works when you follow best practices.
 

1. Arborvitae Have Fibrous Roots

Arborvitae develop a dense, fibrous root system that stays relatively shallow.
 
This type of root ball holds together well during a dig.
 
When you dig up arborvitae, the roots can stay intact better than trees with deep taproots.
 
That’s why you can dig up arborvitae and replant them with a good survival rate if you preserve enough root mass.
 

2. Timing Matters for Transplanting Arborvitae

The best time to dig up arborvitae and replant is early spring or early fall.
 
Cool temperatures and moist soil reduce transplant shock.
 
Avoid digging up arborvitae in the heat of summer or when the ground is frozen.
 
If you dig up arborvitae in spring, they have the whole growing season to establish roots before winter.
 
Fall transplanting works too, as long as the tree gets six weeks before the ground freezes.
 

3. Root Ball Size Is Critical

To dig up arborvitae and replant successfully, you need a large root ball.
 
For every inch of trunk diameter, aim for at least 10–12 inches of root ball width.
 
For smaller shrubs, dig a circle around the drip line (the outer edge of the foliage).
 
This captures most of the fibrous roots.
 
If the root ball is too small, the arborvitae will struggle to take up water and nutrients after replanting.
 

How to Dig Up Arborvitae and Replant Step by Step

Now that you know you can dig up arborvitae and replant, here’s exactly how to do it.
 

1. Prepare the New Hole First

Before you dig up the arborvitae, dig the new planting hole.
 
Make it twice as wide as the expected root ball and the same depth.
 
Having the hole ready means you can replant immediately, reducing root exposure to air.
 

2. Water the Arborvitae a Day Before

Water the soil around the arborvitae thoroughly 24 hours before you dig.
 
Moist soil holds together better and reduces root damage.
 
This simple step makes the whole process of digging up arborvitae and replanting much smoother.
 

3. Dig a Wide Trench Around the Tree

Use a sharp spade to cut a circle around the arborvitae, following the drip line.
 
Dig down about 12–18 inches, depending on the tree’s size.
 
Angle the spade slightly inward to create a tapering root ball.
 
Work your way around the tree, cutting roots cleanly as you go.
 

4. Lift the Root Ball Carefully

Once the trench is complete, gently rock the tree to see if the root ball loosens.
 
Place the spade under the root ball and pry it upward.
 
For larger arborvitae, use a tarp or burlap to slide under the root ball for support.
 
Lift the tree with the root ball intact, not by pulling on the trunk.
 

5. Replant at the Same Depth

Place the arborvitae in the prepared hole.
 
The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding ground.
 
Backfill with the original soil, tamping lightly to remove air pockets.
 
Water deeply right after replanting.
 

Common Mistakes When You Dig Up Arborvitae and Replant

Even though you can dig up arborvitae and replant, some errors can doom the tree.
 

1. Transplanting in Hot, Dry Weather

Heat and low humidity stress arborvitae quickly.
 
If you dig up arborvitae during a heatwave, the roots dry out before you can replant.
 
Always choose a cool, overcast day or transplant in spring/fall.
 

2. Damaging the Root Ball Too Much

Cutting too many roots or shaking off soil can sever the fine feeder roots.
 
Keep the root ball as intact as possible when you dig up arborvitae.
 
Bare-rooted arborvitae rarely survive transplanting.
 

3. Planting Too Deep or Too Shallow

Burying the trunk flare (where the trunk meets the roots) invites rot.
 
Planting too shallow exposes the roots to drying winds.
 
Match the original planting depth when you dig up arborvitae and replant.
 

4. Skipping Aftercare

After you dig up arborvitae and replant, water deeply 2–3 times a week for the first month.
 
Mulch around the base with 2–3 inches of wood chips to retain moisture.
 
Avoid fertilizing until the next growing season to prevent root burn.
 

So, Can You Dig Up Arborvitae and Replant?

Yes, you can dig up arborvitae and replant successfully when you follow the right steps.
 
The key is to preserve a large, moist root ball and transplant during mild seasons.
 
Younger arborvitae handle the move much better than mature specimens over 10 feet tall.
 
With careful preparation and consistent aftercare, your replanted arborvitae will establish itself and thrive in its new location.
 
Now you have all the knowledge you need to dig up arborvitae and replant with confidence.