Bill Grey wrote:
I had a conifer which was blown over by high winds and it never really
recovered. Conifers have shallow plate roots and the feeder roots on the
side that was lifted were torn. I believe transplanting conifers is
difficult, if not impossible, due to the feeder roots being damaged in the
attempt.

Yes, this is certainly true for this particular conifer of ours. I
moved it to where it is now because the previous owner had strapped it
to the side of the house to save it from keeling over in the gales - and
when I dug around it to see if transplanting would be possible, yes, I
found the root system was not deep or extensive and moving it was
simple. It's been in the new spot for three years now and it appears
the roots have not extended in such a way as to anchor the tree against
the force of the gales. Unfortunately there's no better sheltered spot
on the whole property!

Eddy.