We don't recommend moving any tree in the middle of the summer, and especially not during a heat wave! Even in the best conditions, moving plants (especially such a large plant) puts them under a lot of stress. After you move a plant, the hope is that it will get established and continue to grow. However, most plants stop growing when temperatures reach the 90s. Moving the tree in the heat of summer not only puts the plant under great stress but also makes it unlikely that the plant will grow new roots right away, which adds more stress. 

Ideally, you should wait until fall or at least until summer temperatures start to cool. When you move a plant in the fall, the weather is warm enough to allow for root development without putting a lot of extra demand on the tree.

Whenever you move a plant, you must treat it as a new planting--make sure it gets enough water for the first year or, better yet, the first 2 years.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service