How To Dig Up An Arborvitae

Digging up an arborvitae is a straightforward task if you know the right steps.

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But it takes a bit of planning and the proper technique to do it without harming the plant.

Whether you’re moving an arborvitae to a new spot in your yard or transplanting it to a different property, knowing how to dig up an arborvitae properly will save you time and effort.

In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how to dig up an arborvitae, from preparation to aftercare.

Let’s get into it.

How to Dig Up an Arborvitae Properly

When you decide to dig up an arborvitae, the goal is to preserve as much of the root system as possible.
 
Here’s how to approach digging up an arborvitae step by step.

1. Choose the Right Time to Dig Up an Arborvitae

The best time to dig up an arborvitae is in early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant.
 
Digging up an arborvitae during these cooler months reduces transplant shock and gives the roots a chance to settle before the heat of summer or the freeze of winter.
 
Avoid digging up an arborvitae when the ground is frozen or waterlogged, as that can damage the root ball.

2. Gather the Right Tools Before You Dig Up an Arborvitae

Before you start, make sure you have a sharp spade, a pruning saw, a garden hose, and some burlap or a tarp.
 
These tools will help you dig up an arborvitae cleanly and keep the root ball intact.
 
You might also need a wheelbarrow to move the tree once you’ve dug it up.

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3. Water the Arborvitae a Day Before You Dig It Up

Water the arborvitae deeply 24 hours before you plan to dig it up.
 
Moist soil holds together better, making it easier to dig up an arborvitae without the root ball crumbling.
 
This simple step can make a huge difference when you’re trying to dig up an arborvitae successfully.

Key Steps for Digging Up an Arborvitae Without Damaging the Roots

Now that you’re ready, let’s look at the actual process of how to dig up an arborvitae.
 
Follow these steps carefully to protect the root system.

1. Measure the Root Ball Before You Dig Up an Arborvitae

The root ball of an arborvitae usually extends about 10–12 inches for every inch of trunk diameter.
 
So if the trunk is 2 inches thick, you’ll need to dig a root ball about 20–24 inches wide.
 
Mark a circle in the soil around the tree using that measurement.
 
This gives you a guide for where to start digging up an arborvitae.

2. Dig a Trench Around the Arborvitae

Using your spade, cut straight down along the marked circle.
 
Dig a trench that is about 8–10 inches deep, angling the spade slightly inward as you go.
 
This helps you dig up an arborvitae with a tapered root ball, which holds more roots.
 
Take your time and cut through any small roots you encounter.

3. Use a Pruning Saw for Thick Roots When You Dig Up an Arborvitae

If you hit a root thicker than your thumb, don’t yank or tear it.
 
Use a pruning saw to cut it cleanly.
 
Tearing roots can damage the tree, so you want to dig up an arborvitae as gently as possible.

4. Loosen and Lift the Arborvitae Out of the Ground

Once the trench is complete, rock the tree gently to loosen it.
 
Slip a tarp or piece of burlap under the root ball.
 
Then, lift the tree by the root ball, not the trunk, to avoid straining it.
 
This is the final step in how to dig up an arborvitae, and it requires patience.

What to Do After You Dig Up an Arborvitae

You’ve successfully learned how to dig up an arborvitae, but the job isn’t done yet.
 
Proper aftercare is crucial for the tree’s survival.

1. Replant the Arborvitae as Soon as Possible

The sooner you replant after you dig up an arborvitae, the better.
 
Prepare the new hole before you dig, so the tree spends minimal time out of the ground.
 
If you can’t replant immediately, keep the root ball moist and shaded.

2. Water Thoroughly and Mulch the Base

After planting, water the arborvitae deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
 
Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, but keep it away from the trunk.
 
This helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature after you’ve dug up an arborvitae.

3. Monitor the Arborvitae for Signs of Stress

Even when you dig up an arborvitae correctly, it may show some drooping or yellowing.
 
That’s normal, but keep watering consistently for the first few weeks.
 
If you see new growth, it means the tree has recovered from being dug up.

So, How to Dig Up an Arborvitae?

Digging up an arborvitae is a straightforward task if you know the right steps.

You start by choosing the right season, watering in advance, and using sharp tools.

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Then you measure the root ball, dig a trench, cut thick roots cleanly, and lift the tree by the root ball.

After you dig up an arborvitae, replant it quickly, water deeply, and watch for stress.

That’s the complete process for how to dig up an arborvitae successfully.

Hope this guide makes your next transplanting project a success.