How to safely transplant Italian Cypress?

[DebbieNotto]

I have a young, Italian Cypress I need to move. It was planted in 8/05 from a 5 gallon container & was about 4' high from ground to top. Current spot is too windy.
Question is how wide & deep should we dig to protect the root ball? It is about 6.5' high & trunk is 2" diameter. I was guessing hole should be about 8" wider all around than a 5 gal. container & 8-10" deeper, to protect tap root but don't know...
I read about cutting hair roots at surface & waiting a year before move but I fear it will be so much bigger & riskier then...
Also, would you recommend wrapping root ball in burlap, to hold it together as move it (about 20') & to wrap ball before replanting?

Thank you so much for your consideration.

 

[Newt*]

Hi Debbie,

The soil ball for trees should be a minimum of 12 inches for each 1 inch of trunk diameter. You should find these helpful.
http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/trees/f1147w.htm
http://www.albertarose.org/women/gardening/ball_and_burlap.htm
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/mulching.aspx
http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/water/az1298/
http://www.watersaver.org/pdfs/FALL_CARING_FOR_TREES.pdf

Newt