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Growing a tree from a sapling is not always an option when you need it to perform a specific task sooner rather than later. Not everyone wants to wait several years until it’s old enough to produce shade.Therefore, if you already have a mature tree, but it’s just not where you need it, you might start looking at your tree transplanting options. Many things can determine whether it’s possible to move a tree from one place to another, so consider this information below first.
Tree Size
The size of your tree is one of the most crucial considerations when deciding whether you want to transplant your tree. Most tree species will adapt to their new surroundings with time, but their survival chances may increase if you provide them with water, fertiliser, and root pruning before transplanting.
Small trees can be much easier to transplant and generally only require digging shovels and spades. However, mature trees may require a bit more time and effort. You may need to undertake gradual root pruning and protect the root ball using wire, burlap, and plastic sheets to reduce the risk of moisture loss.
During the moving process, the tree will need to be placed onto a solid platform and moved by a gantry system, crane, truck, or inflatable rollers. Request the help of a certified arborist in Auckland to determine if tree transplanting is appropriate based on your tree’s size.
The Time of Year
While you may one day wake up with the brilliant idea of transplanting your tree, that doesn’t mean you can start the task the next day. Some times of the year are better for this job than others. Most tree care experts recommend undertaking significant planting jobs when a tree or plant is in its dormant period, which is when it’s not producing leaves, flowers, or fruit.
It’s also worth waiting until deciduous trees lose their leaves and evergreens have slowed their nutrient supply. Your best window of opportunity tends to be in autumn and winter and sometimes even spring before buds begin breaking out on branches. Take note of rainfall patterns, snow, and other seasonal conditions to decide when the right time will be.
Whether Moving is the Best Option
The practicality of moving a tree is one of the most crucial factors to consider. Why do you want to do it in the first place? Some people decide to do it to enjoy shade in a new part of their property and remove it from another.
They might also want to benefit from more flexibility in their backyard layout or prevent damage to their home. Some people realise they simply planted the tree in the wrong place and now want to correct their mistake.
The New Location
Even if you know your tree’s current location isn’t the best place for it, you have to put time and effort into making sure your transplanting location is the best. Tree care experts can help with this process, but at a minimum, the new home for your tree should be away from:
· Houses and garages
· Structures
· Underground cables, pipes, and lines of any kind
How to Move a Mature Tree
Now that you’ve done your research to determine if transplanting a tree is the right decision for you, the process can get underway.
1. Prune the Roots
Prune the roots of your tree six months before moving it. This is a reasonably easy task by yourself but may be best left in the capable hands of tree experts for precision. You will need to dig around the tree and use a spade to cut off long roots.
Replace the soil in the trench you’ve dug and water it to help the roots recover. New sprouts will then form on the root ball, which may allow it to heal much easier when you plant the tree.
2. Prepare the New Location
Once you have determined the most appropriate area for your tree, dig a wide and deep hole. Add compost and fertiliser.
3. Dig out the Tree
Once six months have passed since you trimmed your tree’s root ball, expose it once more. Lift a spade underneath it if it’s a small tree, or bring in the experts with machinery for large trees. Keep the root ball intact as much as possible.
4. Re-plant the Tree
You may be now ready to move your tree to its new location. Don’t forget to ensure it’s facing the way you want and give it plenty of water once it’s in the ground. Backfill the hole with soil, pack it down to remove air bubbles, and add manure or compost. A seaweed solution and mulch may also give your tree the best chance of thriving in its new home.
Contact Tree Care Experts for Tree Transplanting in Auckland
Tree transplanting can be a challenging undertaking, but it can be worthwhile when you want to keep a tree that has become a cherished feature of your property. When the time comes to start looking at your tree transplanting options, consider contacting the experts. They can ensure the entire tree moving process goes off without a hitch.
