Would it be safe enough to dig up a seven year old oak tree?

Question

move to a different location within the my garden.

I suppose if the tap root was disturbed it would hinder the growth or at worse kill the tree any suggestions please as how to approach this.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Yes, but dig wide and deep to make sure you have the entire root ball. Also, when you put the tree in its new location, the hole has to be twice the size of the root ball and deep enough just to cover the root ball and not way up on the tree stock. You dont have to mulch around the bottom of the tree to hold water, as a matter of fact, I was told that was the "old way of doing it"
Water the tree generously, but dont float it in water. Keep the roots moist but not soaked unless your in a drought region.
I just re planted an oak tree last summer and learned all this from a master arbor guy from the University of Illinois.
The tree didnt look great when the leaves fell this fall, but it was surviving. I think the move was shock for the tree roots. It looks like it will be coming back good in the spring. I also went to Menards and fertilized the tree this fall, so hopefully, it will be in good shape in the spring when it rains here in Illinois.
Good luck.

Answer 2

Evergreen trees and shrubs prefer to be moved in mid to late spring when the sap is starting to rise or early autumn, while deciduous ones can be transplanted any time between leaf fall and leaf burst,provided the ground is not frozen.

to move a tree.cut a trench in the soil around the tree. about the same width as the spread as the branches sever the roots that cross the trench. using a spade ,pruning saw, water the tree thoroughly. drive a garden spade under the tree roots to cut them, you will need to do this several times all around the tree. then insert a garden fork under the tree's root and lift it.it sometimes helps to rock the tree from side to side. put sacking or hessian underneath.gather up the the sacking to enclose the roots and tie it to the trunk. lift on to a wheelbarrow. and take to new planting site.

make sure you put plenty of organic matter into new planting site.and water well after planting. you can also stake the tree to give it stability while the roots take hold. sorry it was long and good luck

Answer 3

Safe for you or for the tree? I think it would be okay but I'd definitely look into it further. You wouldn't want to cut off too much of the root system and you'd probably want to do it in the late fall or winter. Good luck. And be careful!!!

Answer 4

A trees roots can be judged by the trees limbs. There is usu. just as much underground as above, so moving would be nearly impossible. Anything can happen though.

Answer 5

do it before growth starts in spring.
keep a big a root ball as possible .stake and water well

Answer 6

hire a professional to move the tree for you.