How to Transplant American Holly Trees
- 1). Dig a large hole, at least twice the size of the root ball, for the holly seedling in a spot where it can get full sun to partial sun. Save the dirt in a wheelbarrow so you can add some peat moss to increase the organic content of the soil and improve the drainage.
- 2). Add dampened peat moss to the soil in the wheelbarrow in about a 1-to-3 ratio (1 part peat moss to 3 parts soil) and mix them well.
- 3). Dig up the American holly tree from its site, working around the tree about 12 inches out from the trunk with a garden shovel. Dig straight down and then under the roots. Keep the roots together in a ball, cutting as few as possible.
- 4). Pull the tree from the hole and place it in the newly prepared hole, holding it straight up while a helper fills in the soil around the roots. Tamp the soil down firmly all around the tree after each 6-inch layer of soil. Continue adding the soil until you have filled the hole.
- 5). Water the tree with 3 to 4 gallons of water immediately after planting and do not fertilize the tree for the first year after planting.
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