Editing Openai/693c432f-d2a0-8002-9cc1-0743144a6366 (section)

===== Will it survive a December transplant? =====

Here’s where biology gets moody.

December in your climate (looks like northeastern US) is far from ideal.
Arborvitae can be transplanted when dormant, but mid-late fall is usually the last safe window. Once the ground starts chilling toward a freeze, rooting slows to a crawl.

Risks in December:
* Newly disturbed roots can’t reestablish before deep cold.
* Frost heave can break fine root hairs.
* Winter burn (desiccation) is much more likely.

Survival odds are maybe 40–60%, depending on:
* Temperature swings
* Soil moisture
* How intact the root system is
* How quickly it’s replanted
* Whether you can mulch heavily and water before the freeze

If you want to give it its best shot:
* Move it on a day above freezing.
* Keep the root ball wrapped tight and moist.
* Plant it immediately—same day.
* Water thoroughly before the ground freezes.
* Heap 6–8 inches of mulch over the root zone.
* Consider burlap wrapping for wind protection.