By Robert_bint1
United Kingdom 
Would it be possible to dig up and replant conifers that are about 18 ft tall without them dying off.
If I was to try, I have the use of a crane, do I dig around the tree a few days prior and keep filling with water so I can soak the roots? then lift the root bale and replant would this work? I hare the thought of having to cut these down and plant new ones--such a waste
19 Sep, 2014
Answers
In short, no. You could hire a company with a large 'grab' and sling on a crane to support the rootballs if you don't mind the expense.
19 Sep, 2014
then there is the issue of keeping them stable if it gets windy.
it is sad to just replace them but in the long run it may be the best option.
21 Sep, 2014
I really don't think its worth a try - even if you were to try, you'd need to wait till early winter. Conifers have a tendency to go brown if their water supply is cut off or reduced significantly, and they do not recover, unlike broadleaved shrubs. Any parts which go brown will remain brown, only producing (if you're lucky) growth at the tips, and they do not regrow off old wood, so anything you cut out because its brown will then never grow again.
21 Sep, 2014
Extremely unlikely...
19 Sep, 2014