This little Japanese maple has been with us for a long time and has moved more than once. Back in 2007, before we were married and before this blog even existed, my parents gave us a tiny maple that had started growing near a large tree in their yard. We planted that 24-inch offshoot in our backyard and treated it like something special. Over the next few years it grew slowly, and although it was never a showy specimen, it carried meaning because it came from my childhood home and had wedding-season memories attached to it.

Because of its sentimental value, we dug it up before selling the first house and took it with us to our second home. Moving a live plant is always a gamble, and when we relocated again in winter we were almost certain the transplant would kill it. To our surprise, the maple survived and even managed to grow a bit, although it often blended into surrounding purple shrubs and went unnoticed in photos.

Why We Decided to Move It Again

More recently, my parents moved out of the house where the maple originally started, which made the tree feel even more meaningful. We decided we wanted it with us, so we dug it up and transported it to our new place. A quick practical note: if you’re planning to take plants when selling a home, remove them before showings or clarify in the contract that they’re coming with you—plants in the ground are usually assumed to convey with the property unless specified otherwise.

The Dig-Up and Transport

Digging up the maple was fairly straightforward. We made a wide circle around the trunk, loosened soil gently, and lifted the root ball out without damaging the main roots. The root ball was relatively small, so it fit into a plastic bin we had on hand. It was heavier than before, and one of us ended up balancing the bin while dodging leaves in our faces. The maple barely fit into the car for the trip, but it made it safely to the new yard.

Choosing the New Location

We didn’t want to rush and plant it in a spot that would limit its growth, so the tree sat in the bin for a few weeks while we finalized landscaping plans and handled move logistics. Ultimately we chose a position on the edge of the woods that surround our deck. The spot gives the maple visibility from inside the house, room to expand, and partial protection from direct sun and harsh winds. We also drilled a few drainage holes in the temporary bin to avoid standing water while it waited.

Planting and Aftercare

We planted the maple in summer, which always feels risky, so we took steps to give it the best chance. We mixed compost and garden soil into the planting hole to provide nutrients and improve drainage. After setting the root ball, we mulched around the base to conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay. We watered thoroughly right after planting and have kept a close eye on the soil moisture since then, especially after hot days.

Wildlife Concerns

Our main worry has been deer, which we see often in our yard. Some deer nibble on low shrubs, but the new maple hasn’t been a favorite so far. We actually watched a deer give it a sniff and move on. For extra protection you can use temporary fencing or repellents until the tree is established, but for now we’re monitoring rather than taking drastic measures.

Reflections and Tips for Transplanting

We’re amazed this small tree is now living in its fourth yard, counting its birthplace at my parents’ house. Seeing it thrive, even modestly, feels emotional. A few practical tips from our experience: dig a generous root ball, avoid extreme temperatures if possible, provide good soil and drainage when you replant, mulch to hold moisture, and watch for wildlife. If you must transport a sentimental plant during a move, plan ahead to keep it safe during showings and transit.

Have you ever moved a plant that meant a lot to you? Whether your transplanting attempts were a success or a learning experience, those shared plants often become a living thread between places and memories.