Some tree companies have tree spades, which are basically engine-powered, overgrown shovels that dig down around tree roots, scoop them out of the ground and move them into new holes.

A gardening expert offers tips for digging up a tree, moving it to its new home and re-planting it — all without killing it.

Reed said his crews hand-dig root balls up to about 3 feet across, beyond which they have to resort to a tree spade. How do you measure a tree?

Reed said his crews hand-dig rootballs as big as about 3 feet across, beyond which they have to resort to a tree spade. How do you measure a tree?

Using a spade, dig a trench around the tree to a depth of 1½ to 2 feet. Then cut beneath the roots, rounding the bottom of the soil ball. Tip the soil ball to one side, place a piece of burlap or a ...

Some tree companies have tree spades, which make the digging up process pretty easy. The spade goes down around the tree and lifts it up, making a hole for the new one.

Simply digging out a tree and replanting it somewhere else will almost surely fail. So you should plan on a lead time of more than just a few months.

The FFC non-powered tree spade from Paladin Construction attaches to skid-steer loaders, utility tractor loaders and backhoe-loaders. Features a round configuration that can be used to dig the ...