Abstract: A method and system for moving a subtree of objects from a source location to a destination location. The method includes receiving an input identifying a subtree at a source location. The subtree includes a parent object and exists in a hierarchical tree of objects. The directory includes object containment rules which prohibit certain parent/child relationships among the objects. An input signal identifying a destination location in a destination tree is received. A destination location includes a destination object to which the subtree will be subordinate. The parent object of the subtree is modified to an object type sufficient to comply with object containment rules, and the subtree is moved from the source location to the destination location. The present invention can handle both intra-tree and inter-tree moves of subtrees.