Large trees are extremely valuable living assets for your commercial property. They grab attention, dominate the landscape, and stand as a symbol of your property’s history.
There may be times when these green giants need to be moved, such as during property expansion, landscape renovation, or urban redevelopment. Large trees are often protected under laws and regulations. Successful large-tree moving and transplanting requires advanced planning, precise relocation, and expert pre- and post-transplant tree health care.
Read on to learn more about what it takes to transplant large trees on your commercial property.
Plan With Precision
Safe and successful large tree transplants depend on a program of preparation and pre-care, adequate root and soil retention, optimal moisture management, precise transplanting techniques, and comprehensive aftercare for years after the move.
Every transplant begins with detailed site and tree assessments to determine the suitability of sites for receiving large trees, any needed site modifications, and the suitability of individual trees for relocation. The structure, health, and form of individual trees, along with the species’ tolerance to movement, are evaluated before developing a plan. The soils, topography, drainage, and accessibility of sites are important for their suitability.
Following evaluation, specification sheets are developed and used to meticulously outline each phase of the process for each individual tree, from determining root ball size based on stem diameter to selecting the appropriate equipment based on the root ball diameter and predicted weight.
Once plans are in place, the preparation and transplanting process can begin.
Move With Confidence
Preparation for large tree moving often begins with pre-care measures such as root pruning, canopy pruning, which may include reduction cuts, soil conditioning with air tools and organic matter, fertilization, mulching, and any necessary plant health care treatments. Preventive treatments for growth regulation, opportunistic borer attacks, and root disease are often employed, along with inspection and treatment of other conditions that arise.
There are two methods of transplanting large trees: a pneumatic platform system and a large tree spade. The pneumatic system uses low ground pressure inflated airbags to gently lift the tree, which is on a metal platform inserted beneath it, and to move it horizontally across a property. This method is used for trees 18 inches in caliper or more. Trees ranging from 6 to 17 inches in caliper are transplanted using hydraulic tree spades sized from 102 to 168 inches to ensure a minimum 10:1 rootball to stem caliper ratio. Tree spades insert metal blades into the soil to separate the root ball and lift it from the ground, and then place it in a prepared hole of the same size at the desired location.
Each method is designed to minimize stress and maintain root integrity during transplanting, ensuring the tree’s stability and vitality in its new home.
Maintain For Long-Term Health
Newly transplanted trees, especially mature ones, are in a fragile state and will experience transplant shock, a condition that encompasses various stresses resulting from root loss and relocation to a new environment. Post-transplant tree care is essential for ensuring the long-term health and survival of a recently moved tree.
The first few years after transplanting are the most critical. During this period, the trees’ roots work hard to adjust to their new environment and often need extra care to thrive. With expert post-care guidance and well-timed services, trees receive the nourishment and support needed to recover and adapt successfully to their new environment.
A successful post-transplant tree care maintenance plan includes:
- Regular Inspections and Assessments to detect issues like water stress, nutrient deficiency, insect infestations, and disease before they cause severe damage. These are followed by all necessary plant health care treatments.
- Adequate Watering to maintain optimal soil moisture at all times during the years of tree establishment. Large trees will require a proper water management program for years following transplanting, which may include soil moisture sensors and perforated water sight pipes for monitoring the irrigation system. The irrigation system needs regular maintenance and adjustments based on weather and changing site conditions.
- Proper Mulching to maintain 2 to 3 inches of mulch over the critical root zone of the tree. The mulch should be replenished annually as it breaks down into rich soil. Mulch moderates soil moisture and temperature while providing nutrients and promoting root growth.
- Deep Root Fertilization to provide essential soil nutrients directly to the root zone. Using slow-release fertilizer prevents fertilizer-induced water stress and leaching while supplying the tree with sufficient nutrients year-round.
- A Proper Pruning Program is needed to ensure the tree’s health for years to come. A 3 to 5-year pruning cycle helps the tree maintain good form and withstand storm damage, manages canopy size in proportion to root ball size, removes hazardous limbs that could cause serious harm if left to fall, and reduces the risk of diseases and pest infestations through timely sanitation.
Together Under One Canopy
When it comes to large tree relocation, success starts long before the tree is lifted. That is why the combined expertise of EDI and Davey Tree is vital. The companies work in unison to bring decades of complementary experience to every phase of a large tree moving project.
From initial site walk-through to soil analysis, preservation planning, permitting, and beyond, our teams collaborate closely to design a tailored strategy that aligns with your commercial property’s vision, site constraints, and sustainability goals.
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