How to: Relocate a tree

Relocating trees can be tricky because of the sheer amount of factors involved. The tree has to be healthy, the weather conditions need to be right and the actual removal process can cause stress and even death to a tree if not done correctly.

When taking into account weather conditions, its best not to move a tree when the temperature is extremely hot or cold, or the area is facing heavy moisture situations or drought, says AJ Fox, division vice president of tree transplant company Environmental Design. “The other main horticulture thing would be bud break,” Fox says. “Once the tree is pushing out new growth, you want to steer clear of relocating it.”

The biggest mistake Fox says landscapers tend to make is taking too small of a root ball when removing the tree from the ground.

“The rule of thumb is for every caliper inch of tree trunk at 1 foot off the ground, you want 10-12 inches of root ball,” he says.

Here Fox offers five more important steps for relocating a tree.

— Carolyn LaWell

1. Select the tree. The primary factors that go into selecting a tree are species, health, time of year and location. “Location and logistics play a large role in determining if it’s a good candidate,” Fox says.
    
2. Use your local nursery or state and national associations as a resource. “For smaller material – what we call nursery stock – it’s always best to go through the process with a local nursery, asking and making sure you understand local planting conditions, soil types, moisture requirements,” Fox says.
    
3. If you chose to use the boxing method, first root prune with hand tools, such as a shovel, spade or water jet. “Refrain from using any type of machinery, be it a backhoe or trencher, because mechanical means tend to tear the roots instead of cutting them,” Fox says. The roots should be cut to a depth of 24-36 inches, depending on the size of the tree.
    
4. Expose the sides around the tree to the depth of the box you’re using. Larger boxes can be up to 60 inches in total depth, Fox says. Place the sides of the box around the tree, excavate underneath the tree and place the bottom on the box. Then reinforce with steel banding.
    
5. The method of removing the tree from the ground depends on its size, but it’s always best to transport the tree vertically to relieve stress on the root ball. “Anytime you’re laying a tree over on its side, extra care has to be given to it,” Fox says. “The success of relocating a tree is making sure that you keep the root ball intact.”

Illustration by Ron Wilson