How to Transplant a Large Tree
Sometimes an occasion occurs where you must move a mature
tree. Moving a full grown tree provides an opportunity to dramatically change
your landscape. Here’s some basics to help you transplant a big tree.
Moving a Mature Tree
Transplanting a big tree from the field to your garden
provides you with instant shade, and a point of visual interest. While this is
much faster than waiting for a seedling to grow, a transplant does not occur
overnight, so you will need to plan way in advance if you plan to transplant a
big tree. It will take some effort on your part and it will cause your tree
some stress. However, it also doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Usually a mature tree will lose a large portion of its roots
when you transplant it. It can be hard for your tree to bounce back when it has
been replanted in a new location. The key to success when you transplant a big
tree is to assist the tree to grow roots that can go with it to the new
location.
When You Should Move Mature Trees
You can transplant mature tree either in the fall or early
spring. It will have the best chance of success when you transplant during
these periods. In the fall you need to wait for all the leaves to fall and in
the spring you need to do so before the bud’s break.
How to Transplant a Large Tree
Root pruning is the first step. Trim the roots six months
before the transplant. Root pruning will encourage new roots to grow near the
tree within the root ball that will go with the tree. If you will be transplanting
in October, you need to root prune in March. If you transplant in March, root
prune in October.
Transplanting a Mature Tree
After root pruning wait 6 months and then tie up the
branches again. Dig a trench approx. 1’ outside the root pruning trench and dig
down until you are able to undercut the soil ball at approx. 45 degrees.
Wrap the soil ball in burlap and move the tree to the new
location. Remove the burlap and place in the new hole, which should be the same
depth as the root ball and 100% wider. Backfill and water well.