Moving an established tree can be a daunting task, especially in a city where construction is booming on a large scale, and safe areas for transplanting trees are getting exhausted.
Transplanting involves the digging and replanting of particularly large trees from one location to a new one. The process generally involves the substantial removal of roots.
With careful and resourceful planning, transplanted trees can be safely replanted in a better place where they can offer shade, create an alleyway, or provide breathtaking views.
Here, we mention some important things to consider when you are transplanting trees and to ensure the trees’ safety.
Selection & Evaluation Of Location
- First, identify a suitable location where you intend to move the tree. Always select the location ideally according to the tree’s species, as it plays a significant role in adapting to the new site.
- It’s better to evaluate the suitability of the new planting location to maximize the survival chances of transplanted trees.
- Check the site if it meets the tree’s requirements, like soil pH, drainage, amount of space, sunlight levels, and exposure.
Getting The Roots Ready
- To minimize the tree’s shock, it is recommended to prune roots several months prior to the actual move. Securely wrap the root ball with burlap so that they are entirely covered.
- Large trees need root pruning over one year before transplanting, as they require more time to become established after transplanting.
- Once the roots are pruned, extra care should be taken to ensure that the root ball gets enough moisture, especially during the dry or winter season.
Transplanting & Caring
- Before digging up a tree, prepare the planting hole three times as wide and the same depth as the root ball. Separate the subsoil and topsoil.
- While tree-moving on a golf course, remember to tie up the branches to keep them out of the way.
- To make the transfer of the tree lighter and easier, rinse off the soil before moving it. However, only remove the soil from dormant trees and their roots when the trunk diameter is greater than an inch.
- Set the tree in its hole on the new planting site such that its soil line coincides with the surrounding soil, as planting a tree too deep in the soil can cause it to rot.
- Now fill the hole with the subsoil to the appropriate depth and complete the process by filling it with topsoil. Add water to fill the hole when it is half full of soil.
- The first few weeks after transplantation are important and require enough watering frequently to keep the soil moist.
Conclusion
Each tree has different characteristics, including roots, canopies, and foliage development, and it is important to treasure each of them to preserve their history and uniqueness.
Therefore, professional planters who are transplanting a tree must keep these things in mind before and after the transplantation process, as any lapse can result in failure and loss of a precious resource—trees.
