- 1). Root-prune the walnut tree in the fall after the leaves have dropped for a spring move. Measure out more than the typical 12 inches for each 1-inch trunk diameter, since walnut trees do not transplant well and should be moved with large root balls. This procedure forces new roots to form around the cut, which often lessens transplant shock.
- 2). Sink a spade at least 14 inches deep for walnut trees with a 1-inch diameter trunk and 19 inches deep for 2-inch trunks. Continue around the tree until you have formed a circle.
- 3). Dig a trench a few inches outside this circle. Remove the topsoil -- the top 6 inches -- in one pile and then the subsoil in another. Backfill the hole with the subsoil, topsoil and then water the area well. Do not lift the tree and wait until a spring morning on a cloudy day to move the walnut tree.
- 4). Water the walnut tree well a day or two before the selected moving date. Dig the new hole first in a location with the same amount of sunlight and identical soil conditions. Make the hole more than twice the width of the root system and equal or slightly shallower than the depth. Separate the topsoil and subsoil into two piles.
- 5). Create a second trench 15 to 24 inches deep encircling the walnut tree. Go out 12 inches beyond the site of the root-pruning circle. Sever any roots beneath the root ball by angling the spade in the trench. Carefully lift the tree on all sides and cut any roots still connected with the spade or use hand shears.
- 6). Place burlap next to the walnut tree and then slowly tip the tree to lift one side of the root ball. Pull the burlap under the roots halfway and then tip the tree the other way to pull the burlap beneath the other side.
- 7). Grab the corners of the burlap to lift the walnut tree and slowly move it to the new planting site. Place the tree in the center and push the burlap down into the hole. Do not remove the burlap, which could injure the tree's roots.
- 8). Backfill the hole with the subsoil and then use your hands to firm the soil against the walnut tree's roots. Add water to the hole to remove possible air pockets. Finish adding the topsoil to fill the hole and then soak the area with water to settle the tree in place.
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