I found a free tree.. just have to dig it up..

Any idea how big of a root ball would need to be dug up for this tree?  About 3' diameter maybe?
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/grd/4022584247.html

Do you need to dig it up before it goes dormant?  In my experience, trees growing in the ground do not have so dense root mass as container grown trees.  When you dig it out, you are likely to have several thick roots as opposed to many thin roots.  When the tree is dormant this is not such an important issue as it will grow fine feeder roots and establish itself over the winter months.  Now, however, you will have some issues since the thicker roots are no so efficient at taking up moisture/nutrients.

I haven't decided yet if I'm really up for the task. lol

I have taken out few mature fig trees out of the ground and moved them in other locationis of my property. You need to dig out a good sized root ball for trees that old, more than 3'. Dig the hole that it will be going in first, then dig the tree out and plant it right away in its new home (hole). For now, I would let it stay where it is for the reminder of this year and transplant it early Spring.

Whatever you do, try to dig out as much as rooting system as you can. Older trees usually do not take the transplanting too well. Don't accept the tree to put on lots of growth next year. It will take a season at least for it to adjust to its new environment (soil). Next season make sure to keep the soil around the root ball a little moist as well, and do not fertilize it too much.

Good luck.

Navid.

Wait till dormant, even better if done just before breaking dormancy. 6-10' rootball. Probably won't be real deep.

The ad doesnt say what kind of fig it is. It might not be a variety worth all that effort...

1.  See: post #6....determine the variety.  Decide if it's worth the hernia to remove this tree?

2.  IF  its a good variety, and you can wait to dig it out, take a sharp spade and plunge it straight down around the perimeter of the root ball.  For example, trace a root-ball, 18"-20" -  (minimum) - out from the trunk of the tree, and sever/cut all the roots outside of this established zone.  Wait for the tree to go dormant, then dig it out.  Between the time of the root-severing and dormancy, the roots will try to regenerate, and will sprout some new feeder roots.  Before digging out the tree, but after dormancy, I would also do a careful pruning, and establish a basic rack of branches...why lift extra wood?  Without all the leaves, it will be easy to see unwanted branches, dead wood, etc.  If the root system lives, the tree will recover from this pruning.

3.  Move the tree to its new location and plant it into a prepared hole, and water it in.  (Post #4)

You live in Zone-8a, so you have so extra time for the tree to establish itself in its new location.  If you can wait for next Spring to move the tree, establish the root ball perimeter by severing/cutting the roots now, and leave the tree alone until it can be moved next season.  It will be less stress on the tree.

Good luck.


Frank

I would cut it up and trade everyone on the forum with cuttings and maybe Logs...LOL

Rodney,

Search the craigslist, you will find a lot of trees around San Diego.
Here are some closer to LA:

http://ventura.craigslist.org/grd/4069901388.html
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/grd/4003537928.html

You have Temecula nearby, avocado and fig heaven.

Good luck!

Thank You Igor, Stay busy my friend...LOL

Well, James, after digging a hole with a diameter of approx. 3', I can tell you digging an 8' hole would be out of the question.  Of course, I am older than you and a lot less physically fit....lol.  It IS a beautiful tree though.  If you decide to get it, be sure to let us know what variety it is when you figure it out.  =)