Question
There is a curly willow tree planted about 10 feet from my inground pool (concrete wall). Will the roots damage the walls to get at the water. This tree is about 4 years old, so would it be possible to transplant it.
Answer
I would move it--willow roots tend to seek water and if there is a leak in the pool the roots will find it. This tree has spread at maturity of 15-30 feet so I would plant it no closer than 20 feet from the pool further if you have the room. Also just as important is the mess from the leaves falling into the pool will be a constant cleanup issue.
Yes it can be moved.
Deciduous trees may be planted either in the spring or the fall. Deciduous plants may be moved in the spring as soon as the frost is out of the ground, up until the time when new foliage is partly unfurled. In the fall, they may be planted once the leaves start to turn color up until the ground freezes.
When you want to dig up a tree or shrub for transplanting, retain as much of the root system as possible.
Deciduous trees can be successfully moved only if a ball of soil is left around the roots. The exposed roots should be protected with moist burlap or newspaper or with polyethylene sheeting. Every effort should be made to reduce root exposure to wind and sun, keeping the ball as moist as possible. It's best to prepare the hole before digging up the tree you wish to move.
Size of the root ball and size of the hole:
For deciduous trees and shrubs the soil ball should be:
Width = 9-12 in. in diameter/every 1 in. of tree diameter
Depth = 6 in./every 1 in. of tree diameter
For example: A tree trunk 2 inches wide would need a soil ball of 18-24 inches wide and 12 inches deep.
Dig the new hole twice the size of the rootball and as deep and fill with good top soil or potting soil. Plant so that the top of the rootball is at ground level. Mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk.
