By Beauford
United Kingdom 
I need to move a small 10 year old Acer from my late Mother's garden and transport it to its new position in the garden, this will be a two hour car journey. Any advice on this move would be gratefully appreciated.
It appears to be still "dormant".
6 Mar, 2012
Answers
I would have thought the rootball of an Acer that mature would be quite large, and therefore very difficult to retain most of it - making its successful transplantation a lower rate.
Its new location is going to have to be planned in advance - well nurtured and nourished to help it back to proper life/health again.
This years care of it will have to be well planned so that soil conditions, wind damage, drought damage and neglect doesn't set it right back - or kill it.
Acers are too special to risk losing.
7 Mar, 2012
Beauford you don't say where you are in the UK but even up in the north of Scotland the sap is well up in our Acers and the buds are very visible. As Louise says you are taking a big risk moving at this time of year and, with a ten year old tree a big risk at any time. If you must move you'd be far better to wait until October or even November to do so.
7 Mar, 2012
If you do have to move it now and have a choice of site try to put it in semi shade and sheltered from strong winds.
7 Mar, 2012
Agree Steragram - oh and pray!
7 Mar, 2012
Beaufort said they "need" to move the acer and given the fact it is small ,moving it now with a little care will not damage the tree.
7 Mar, 2012
.... however, the above measures need to be taken, you can't dig something up and just replant it elsewhere without proper plans inplace.
10 Mar, 2012
Sometimes it is better to let a tree stay where it is and buy another in memory.
10 Mar, 2012
Thanks for all your comments/help.
It is not an option to buy another, it was a promise to my late Mother that I would not leave the Acer in her garden when her property was sold as I bought this for her when my Father passed away, and having nursed her through Cancer for 2 years makes it even more poignant.
I will be moving it this week (from South Wales to Wiltshire). The new hole has been dug with bonemeal placed and I will also add some John Innes No.3 to help it along.
I will post updates......
Thanks again to all, and apologies if there is too much personal info for some.
11 Mar, 2012
Beaufort, not too much personal info. Sorry this is the reason for moving the tree and hope you have success moving.
11 Mar, 2012
Dig the tree up with as much soil around the roots as possible,wrap the rootball tightly in an old blanket and move carefully.At other end (having hole dug) plant tree to same level as before and gently firm around roots,finaly give the tree some water and keep doing so through first year .
6 Mar, 2012