Davey Tree : Large Tree Moving : Evaluating a Tree Moving Project


Evaluating a Tree Moving Project

A tree relocation project often begins in the eyes of the landscape architect who creates a design plan from his interpretation of the client wishes and the demands of the site. But implementing the actual move requires the marriage of his vision with the skills of the construction team and the special talents of the tree moving crew. In the case of a landscape project at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, that melding of vision, talent and skill resulted in a textbook example of a successful tree move.

The process, as it is supposed to work, was illustrated in a field report by Chris Lawrie of Hill Studio, the landscape architecture firm hired by the University to design the UVA master plan. Lawrie monitored the relocation of the six pin oaks and one maple on the campus. His report evaluated the work based on the specifications of his design and the trees’ requirements for a healthy future.

He noted the project’s progress and the elements he considered necessary to meet both the aesthetic vision and to secure the long term health of the trees. His first observation was the placement of the trees on the site with attention to their setting into the grade and the orientation of roots and branches. Once satisfied that the trees would blend into their new location, he took up the question of the survival of the trees, noting the care with which the crew worked. Davey’s Raleigh office helped on the project, performing the tree preservation and pruning of the trees around the construction site, which reinforces the tree care capabilities of the company.

His report narrates the moving process: by crane the trees are carefully cabled and supported, gently placed on a flatbed, and moved to the new site. The excavated balled trees are watered, and as the trees are lowered into their new holes, the elevation is carefully adjusted with extra soil to make sure the replanting is at the correct level.

The complications of fading daylight and unanticipated rocks at the planting site are part of his report, as are instructions to provide ample water and avoid fertilizer during the recovery period for the newly relocated trees.

Dan Howse of the National Large Tree Moving branch, characterized the project as a routine one with one less-than-routine aspect. “Our work was slowed considerably because we uncovered rocks as large as a Volkswagen every time we dug a hole.”

For the landscape architect, the field report was a routine part of his job; keeping tabs on the progress, monitoring work quality and managing the timetable is what he does. However, what emerges from Lawrie’s field report is a description of a tree moving project being done by a crew that understands what has to be done, and does it well.

Davey Large Tree Moving operations provides the same attention to detail for each tree relocation.