First and foremost when tree transplanting have a plan! Don’t dig up a tree then decide where you’re going to put it. The longer the roots are exposed the more damage is done to them and the worse the transplant shock will be.
Decide on a location for the relocation. Be mindful of the plants that are already there. Don’t plant trees in places where they will begin to grow into electric lines, or sidewalks. If possible, don’t plant trees near water and sewer lines, when a tree craves water, this is a quick easy source and then you end up with roots in your water system.
Remember to call before you dig. Make certain there are no buried lines in your location.
Estimate the width of the root ball. Assume that the root system extends as far out as the tree is tall, but the root ball is approximately 12 inches for every inch of diameter of the tree trunk, measured 12 inches from the ground. Once you have established an estimate, you then need to dig a hole that is at least 3 times that width. As an example, a tree that is 2 inches in diameter has a root ball that is about 24 inches wide which means your hole needs to be about 75 inches wide. The depth should be about 2 times the size of the root ball, not too deep as most root systems of trees are very shallow. Do not break the soil up in the bottom; you need this to remain compact to support the root ball.
Using tree moving equipment like a tree spade will be the easiest way to both dig a hole for the tree and to dig the tree up. Tree transplanting equipment makes quick work of the digging.
Dig up as much of the soil and root system that is feasible. Obviously very mature trees might require you to employ a tree moving service because of the enormity of the root system. However, smaller younger trees are quite easily transplanted. You may have to prune the larger roots to free the tree from soil.
Once you have done this, you should be able to use a spade to lift the root ball out of the hole. Place the newly released tree on a tarp or burlap to move it to the new location. Place the tree with its root ball in the hole. Backfill the hole with a good quantity of dirt as too create a mound of dirt around the base.
Place mulch around the base, about three inches deep. Water your tree regularly. The first year is crucial. This is when the root system is re-establishing itself.
Plan your planting and you will more than likely have a tree for life.
For more information about tree moving equipment you can contact Heritage Oak Farm’s ProLine™ division at 1-888-288-5308 M-F 8-5 central time and Sat. 8-12:30 central time. You can also email us about any of our ProLine™ equipment info@heritageoakfarm.com