How to transplant trees? And what you should take into account
Transplant trees
Welcome to our dedicated web page on tree transplanting – a crucial practice for conserving our green friends and promoting a healthy, sustainable future for our planet.
In a world where urban development and nature conservation increasingly go hand in hand, the careful relocation of existing and valuable trees plays a key role in harmonizing human needs with the natural world.
Transplanting trees is more than just moving a plant from point A to point B.
It is an in-depth process that starts with careful transplantability research, detailed planning and preparation of the new planting location. Until the actual transplant. And the crucial aftercare that ensures that the tree can thrive in its new environment.
Transplanting existing trees is not an easy task and you should not go into it unprepared. It requires knowledge and skill to transplant a tree that has been established for years and has adapted to the environment and soil.
If you have any questions or would like to know if we can transplant your tree, please contact us contact without obligation with us.
What can you read on this page about transplanting trees?
On this page we take you on an informative journey through the fascinating world of successful tree transplanting.
We will explore the different techniques used to safely transplant trees of all sizes, from young saplings to majestic, mature specimens.
In addition, we will discuss the reasons why trees sometimes need to be moved, whether for construction projects, landscaping improvements or rescuing trees from construction sites or other threats.
Our guide offers practical advice, from choosing the right season for transplanting, to assessing a tree's health and preparing its destination.
We will also delve deeper into the challenges and considerations of transplanting. Such as minimizing stress on the tree, ensuring adequate watering, and the importance of soil compatibility.
With a blend of expert insights, practical tips, and a passion for green conservation, we strive to be a one-stop resource for anyone interested in tree transplanting. Whether you are a landscaping professional, a municipal employee, or simply someone looking to save a beloved tree. Here you will find the knowledge and inspiration you need to succeed in your transplant project.
Join our growing community of nature lovers and contribute to a greener, healthier world, one tree at a time.
Welcome to the growing world of tree transplanting!
| Transplanting trees requires a well-thought-out plan, the necessary preparations and expert tree advice, just like with the planting trees. |
Transplantability research. Can the tree be transplanted?
First you need to ask yourself whether or not a tree can be transplanted. Because it would be a shame if the tree did not survive being transplanted.
And every tree simply cannot be transplanted. And there could be several reasons for this. Just think about the original location and the destination location. If the root ball must be so large, in order not to damage the tree's condition or mechanical strength, that transport passage is not possible anywhere. Whether setting up a telescopic crane is impossible. You will soon bump into limits. And the tree is also not transplantable.
That is why transplanting a large tree always starts with a transplantability test.
A transplantability study assesses the health, age, size and species of the tree. As well as the location conditions and the qualitative properties of the growing location. For large trees, the research starts with a desktop study and study of the locations. Afterwards there is often additional research such as root research.
The transplantability test helps determine whether a tree is a good candidate for transplanting. Also what the success rate is for the transplant. And what preparations and measures need to be taken. So that you can be more assured of a successful transplant.
The chance of success depends on various factors. Such as the tree species, the condition of the tree, its size, accessibility and current underground infrastructure. Also the required transport, the new location and growth site quality, the aftercare and extra measures for proper engagement are all important.
In addition, the costs and time schedule must be estimated in advance to test feasibility against the situation.
Selection of transplantable trees
Criteria for selecting transplantable trees include the tree's overall health, age, species, and the size of the root system. Younger trees and species with a resilient root system are usually better suited for transplanting.
Transport is also sometimes the limiting factor. You must be able to transport large trees from point A to point B. And the transportation route must not contain insurmountable obstacles.
| Whether or not a tree can be transplanted largely depends on its condition.
A tree that has lost its condition will have an even harder time when transplanted and may die. A healthy tree in good condition, on the other hand, can be thoroughly prepared for transplanting. So that it has a better chance of catching on well. |
Whether a tree can be transplanted also depends on how the tree roots in the soil at the starting point. If very large roots cannot be reached to remove them from the soil without damage and are too large to prune, you cannot, for example, transplant the tree.
The aim of preliminary root research is to overcome these situations.
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List of tree species and their transplantability
Easy to transplant
- Maple
- Linde
- Oak (younger specimens)
Difficult to transplant
- Beech
- Berk
- Magnolia
Condition of the tree and the soil at the starting point for transplanting
A tree with a poor condition cannot be transplanted. A tree with a good one condition and suitable crown architecture, without abnormally wide growing branches, is suitable. If the tree to be transplanted has very heavy branches that are heavily developed far beyond the trunk, this can pose a problem for road transport.
If there is a pipeline route under the tree at the current location, it will not be possible to move this tree. After all, the roots grow between the pipes. Pipes could be damaged during the works. Or too many roots would have to be removed, meaning the tree would not survive afterwards.
If foundation remains are present, no structure can be placed under the tree to lift or hoist it.
How to transplant a tree?
Transplanting trees requires thorough preparation
You don't just transplant a tree. That's the same as planting trees. Many factors influence the chances of a successful transplant. So leave the transplanting of your trees to a specialist. This way you avoid the risk that your efforts will be in vain.
We prepare both your tree and the new one growing place and soil thoroughly before transplanting. This phased preparation process can take up to a year big trees. But it guarantees the successful transplanting of your tree.
Preparation for transplanting tree; root pruning and crown pruning
In the preparation phase we prune both the crown like the roots of the tree. Taking the crown or branches We do this so that we can get through anywhere with the tree during transport. And root pruning because the tree cannot take all its roots with it because they are much too long. And by carrying out root pruning in time, the tree will already produce many small roots in its current location. So that the root ball is more compact, but still has sufficient roots to take root in its new growing location.
Just like when planting trees, you should think carefully about the new ones location who will receive the tree to be transplanted.
It would be a shame if you had to replace your tree due to poor preparation or poor work sheets.
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Techniques for Transplanting Trees
1. Root pruning
Root pruning promotes the development of a compact, dense root system that helps the tree survive after transplanting. This happens months or even a year before the actual move. And often in phases to allow the tree to recover each time.
2. Transplant with a root ball
For smaller trees, the tree is moved with a firm clod of earth to protect the root system. This method requires careful planning and proper technique to minimize damage.
3. Use of a mechanized tree spade
This tree spade is a specialized machine used to transplant larger trees. It cuts a uniform root ball around the tree and lifts it for transportation. The disadvantage is that it is a heavy machine that compacts the soil if heavy steel row plants are not used. By smoothing the root ball, a flowerpot effect can occur, making it more difficult or impossible for the transplanted tree to establish.
4. Airlift technique
This advanced method uses air pressure to loosen the soil around the roots without damaging them. This allows the tree to be carefully lifted from the ground.
The best time to transplant trees
The ideal time for transplanting trees is during the dormant period, usually in late fall or early spring. This minimizes stress and gives the tree the best chance to settle into its new environment.
Also read other useful articles related to tree transplanting
- Planting trees and everything you need to know
- Growing place improvement for trees, whether or not before or during tree planting.
- Growing site design above ground and growing site constructions underground. The latter to enable double use of the soil while still being able to plant trees.
- Planting big trees, why, benefits and how.