how do i move a tree and big shrub?

Question

I need to move a large evergreen tree - 12 foot high with weeping branches - 6 inch trunk and a large shrub shaped like a basket about 5 foot round and 3 feet high. Should i try to dig it up this fall? and replant

Answer 1

Fall is a prime time for moving trees and shrubs as the saps are not running and thus the plant has a better chance of survival. I would suggest first prunning the evergreen a bit and let it rest a coupld of days before transplanting it elsewhere. It is not easy to move trees but is possible. In the Woodland Park Zoo we moved and removed a 30 year old oak tree and that was a giant hole. You need to remember the roots are supposedly as wide as the tree is tall...............so dig accordingly. Roots are a real challenge for sure. As to the shrub same deal, prune out the branches which head toward the center of the bush and trim the edges out a bit. It shall make the bush happy and your job easier.
Place the rootballs in burlap or some other material upon freeing them up. It keeps it moist and together so not as much damage to them is going to occur. Happy digging to ya! I love landscaping!

Answer 2

It's best to move a tree when it's dormant. If the trunk is larger than about 5 inches, then it's a crapshoot as to whether or not the transplant will be successful, because established roots must be severed in order to move it, so use your judgment. Check the type of roots your particular tree has to see if they're hardy or fragile. Hardier ones will do better.

For an evergreen, since it doesn't really go dormant, before winter while the ground is still OK to dig through should be fine. Dig up a ways around the trunk, the roots should extend to the canopy radius, but you really just want to move the root ball. Depending on the tree, it should extend a couple feet down. Separate the root ball from the ground and tie it up in a sheet or plastic garbage bag. Dig a comparable hole in the place where you're moving it to and stick it in there. Remove the sheet carefully and backfill with plenty of water, organic matter, and fertilizer (slow release only so the roots don't burn) along with fill dirt or topsoil. If the tree is young &/or strong enough, it should be fine & start to root out in the spring. Don't expect spectacular growth from this tree right away. Same deal with the shrub, although the root area might be larger than the canopy due to trimming.

Answer 3

It can be done, but it is not a simple task. The 12 foot tree is definitely on the "iffy" side because of the height. Such a tree may best be transplanted by a professional, which will be expensive. Or you may want to hunt out a friend with landscaping experience to help you. The first link below may help you make some of the tough decisions as to whether you should even *try* to do this transplant or just pull the plants and get new ones (OUCH!! I know, it hurts!!). The other links give you the best suggestions they have on how to make the process work, if you do try and go for it. But please remember -- a 12 foot tall tree will have an EXTREMELY large root ball, much of which will be lost as you try to dig it and move it. You'll find it very hard to manipulate with all that dirt on the roots, too!

But, good luck to you and I hope your transplant takes!!

Answer 4

a successful transplant should take 3 years. first year dig a trench on two sides of the tree. this should be a distance that is x10 the diameter of the trunk, carefully prune the roots with a handsaw or secateurs, then place a root barrier around and back fill, do the same to the othersides the following year. the 3rd year you will need to bind the root ball. an arborist can help you with the final stage and should have the gear to move the trees.

Answer 5

is best to do that in the fall yes and since a major amount of root damage happen's when digging them up you'll have to give them a good prunning before hand to account for the root loss.

Answer 6

Wow thats a big tree, a backhoe..yep and a flat bed trailer

Answer 7

for the shrubs, my fiance and i just tied a tow strap to ours and pulled them out with our truck, roots and all

Answer 8

i dont no