Transplanting Trees

 

It may sound ridiculous but it is sometimes necessary to move a tree. Maybe some trees that one looked great in your front garden have now grown to become too large and would be far more suitable for use in the back garden. Buying large mature trees is very expensive so, in such a case, it would make more sense transplanting trees from the front to the back. Transplanting trees can be rather tricky and the process requires a fair amount of planning.

The John Knox tree (see photo below, click to enlarge) is a famous tree in Scotland which had been planted in the grounds of a castle/fortified house. Unfortunately it was in front of a large bay window so it soon blocked out all of the light. It was believed that the tree had been around in the time of John Knox. John Knox was a famous reformation preacher who was said to have preached by the tree. Rather than chop the tree down it was decided that transplanting it was far more respectful. The is a photograph in existence of the removal which, if you get the chance to see it, is fascinating as it shows the tree, with a massive root ball, being transported along a sort of rail track.

Size is not the only consideration in transplanting trees. When moving a tree from one place to another it is vital that you plan well in advance, maybe even a year. For best results it is always best to move the tree during it's dormant period while it has no leaves. If you move a tree that is full of leaves it is far more likely to dehydrate than a tree without them. The reason why such a tree would dehydrate is because during photosynthesis moisture is released from the leaf and, until the roots of the tree have recovered, uptake of water from the ground is inhibited. If you plant a tree while it is dormant the roots will have a chance to recover and grow a little as the new leaves develop thus the roots are more able to reach the demands for water created by the leaves.

The roots of a tree can spread over great distances, so far that removal of all roots, in tact, along with the rest of the tree is virtually impossible. The best method to use when transplanting trees is to cut around the tree (the distance from the tree should be the size of the root ball you plan to take with it to the new destination, at least six feet from the trunk of the tree) with a sharp edged shovel to sever the roots. This should be done about twelve months before the move. Create a deep trench around the tree and fill it with moss.

A good few weeks before you start transplanting trees you should prune back those which you are planning to move. Depending upon the size of the tree a second trench should then be dug around the tree, a little closer this time (at least twelve inches away from the trunk). A short distance from the tree you should place a large piece of material of sufficient size to wrap the root ball, the best material being burlap. You can then set about removing the tree from it's present position which may require a few extra hands. It may be necessary to use large planks of wood as levers to raise the root ball which should then be placed on the material. The root ball should then be carefully wrapped in the material and watered well. It is possible to store a tree in this condition for a few weeks so long as it remains in a protected area of the garden.

You are now ready to move the tree to it's new position. The new position should be suitable for the tree. The ground should be prepared in advance of the move. See planting trees for more information about this stage of transplanting trees.

 

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