Your decision to move the tree is not unusual. However, it is good that you have decided to move the tree while it is still small and easy to transplant. When digging and transplanting trees, the smaller the better. When a tree is small you have an opportunity to retain more of the tree root system and reduce transplanting shock and stress. The best times of the year to transplant a maple are late fall after leaf drop through early spring prior to bud break. Dormancy transplanting reduces stress on dug trees. New site selection and preparation is important to a quick start and maintaining the health of the tree. Determine the site suitability and proper location of the tree first; avoid overcrowding with other trees and structures. Be sure to think in terms of space occupancy when the tree matures. Avoid planting maples in wet soils with poor drainage. When preparing the planting hole, dig the hole no deeper than the original planting depth of the tree. The width of the hole for a small tree should be at least three times the diameter of the root ball. Amend existing soils that are to be placed into the planting hole with one-third organic matter such as peat or compost. Saturate the backfilled soil with water; add more soil if needed to compensate for settling. Finally, cover smoothed soil with 4 inches of wood or bark chips. If this transplant is to take place during or after an extended dry period, fill the hole at the transplant site with water and let it drain naturally. Tender feeder roots will suffer or die in a dry hole, slowing tree recovery or killing it.

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