in my z5 ... as soon as the ground is thawed .. and workable ... including drainage ...you can move trees... conifers .. and shrubs ...

picea pungens is a conifer.. if it matters to you ... and there is a forum about such.. should you be interested ...

you move all said stuff .. as early in spring as possible.. and as long a time as possible BEFORE the heat of summer ...

which.. all said.. sounds like right now ....

the only issue to be careful about .. might be watering this early in spring.. though the transplant needs water at planting .. with the coolness .. and dampness of spring... it might not need more water until june .. insert finger and do not water again.. after the initial watering ... UNLESS the soil has dried ...

the key here is PROPER TIMING ... and we move conifers.. when they are dormant .... which is now.. or in fall .... GO FOR IT !!!!

good luck

ken

Thanks Ken. I think I'll try to move it the next warm day we get. The temperature's been fluctuating wildly around here recently. In the high 60's one day and back to the 30's the next day.

the ONLY issue regarding temps.. is simply your comfort..

a dormant tree/conifer/plant.. does NOT care ...

it really hurts your hands.. due to the severe cold of the soil.. when you are replanting and insuring the soil is set down in the hole...

though it can be done anytime the soil is thawed.. i tend to wait until about 4/1 in my z5 ... so the soil is a bit warmer FOR ME ..

again.. the tree doesnt care ... its asleep ...

ken