Success moving a hinoki cypress?

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shudhave Upton, MA(Zone 5b) May 11, 2009

I have two Hinoki Cypress trees that are approximately 8-10 ft. tall. They are planted on either side of my front porch and are planted too close to the house for their mature size. Has anyone successfully moved one of these shrubs at this size without using a tree spade truck? How extensive is their root system? Their branches are probably 6-feet in diameter at their bases. These are spectacular trees and I hate to lose them but I need to do something so people can continue to enter through that door. I am hoping to move them just to another place not too far away and would like to minimize the cost required.

Thanks!

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Resin Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a) May 11, 2009

Much too large to move without heavy machinery! The roots will extend in a saucer-shape with a radius about 1½ times as far as the tree is tall.

Resin

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shudhave Upton, MA(Zone 5b) May 11, 2009

Thank you...for the answer I anticipated but hoped against! I guess I'm going to have to accept the inevitable and hire a professional mover.

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HoosierGreen Danville, IN May 14, 2009

You could try this: This spring, "root prune" both trees by using a sharp spade to go completely around each as if you were digging them up, about 2' from the trunks. Dig deep, but not quite all the way under. This will force each to develop a more compact root ball during the summer. If possible, also trim back the foliage, both height and width, but at least the latter. Early this fall, cut again in the same place as now. Then, in late fall see if you can move them. If you have a nursery nearby, the workers there will usually hire out "on the side" and dig them out for you. Have them quote the job. Most any landscaping company will do this, but hiring out nursery workers is cheaper. Post a photo of the hinokis and perhaps someone will second this suggestion,

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pirl (Arlene) Southold, NY(Zone 7a) Aug 14, 2010

Bump.

What happened with the hinoki cypresses?

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