At Ostvig Tree Care, we fully support adding new trees to your property. But what if you just need to transplant an existing tree from one spot to another? We can help you with that too. In many of the circumstances in which property owners think cutting down the tree is the only solution (which we are always very sad to see), relocating a tree is also an option. And with all of the value a tree adds to a property, it should be the preferred choice.
Why do I need to transplant a tree?
There are many reasons that you might run into where you will need to transplant a tree.
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Construction:
If you are planning construction for your property and a tree will obstruct the project, you may want to consider transplanting it. You may need to make more room on your property for a property addition or for the construction materials, team and equipment.
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Growth:
Sometimes, property owners will plant a shrub without knowing how large the tree will be. If a mature tree is outgrowing its present location, look for a new spot that better suits its spatial needs.
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Landscape Design:
If you are especially enthusiastic about the aesthetics of your landscape, you may find that a tree doesn’t fit with the look you are aiming for. Look for another spot in your yard that might improve the balance, look, and feel of your property.
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Improving The Tree’s Conditions:
Trees vary in their ideal growing conditions such as the type and pH level of the soil, desired sunlight, and watering needs. Your tree may need to be transplanted to a spot where it can get the care it needs in order to thrive.
How do I transplant a tree?
Transplanting a tree are very similar to planting a new tree, there are just a few added steps to the process.
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Choose a Spot:
Before you start digging choose the best new spot for the tree. Once you find a spot call 811 before you start to dig. There could be underground utility lines that you are unaware of and could damage.
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Dig the Hole:
You can now begin to dig a hole that is roughly 2-3 times the size of the root ball, based on your best guess of its size. You will want to dig before you remove the tree from the ground because its roots will need as much time in the ground as possible.
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Dig the Tree Out:
Dig around the plant to see the size of the root ball which will be roughly the size of its canopy. Start by digging around the perimeter, not at the tree’s base. Digging at the base will increase your chance of injuring the tree.
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Remove the Tree:
Try to keep the root ball in the best condition possible. If you need to cut the roots, make a very clean cut to minimize the tree’s health and growth risks. Gently lift the tree from the ground and prepare it for transportation.
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Transport the Tree:
Between the tree, its roots and the soil that will tag along with it the tree will be much heavier than you might anticipate. Have another person handy in case you need help lifting or carrying the tree. If the new location of the tree is a healthy distance from its current spot, consider placing the tree on a tarp and pulling it.
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Plant the Tree:
Place the tree into the new hole and replace the soil that you remove from the hold. Make sure the tree is absolutely straight – not doing so could mean structural problems (and danger) down the road. When replacing the soil, form a bowl-shaped ring around its base so that it can catch more water. The roots will need to absorb healthy amounts of water while the tree is reestablishing itself.
You may find that a tree is too large for you to transplant yourself. Ostvig Tree Care offers large tree transplantation services so your mature tree can be maintain its health throughout the process. Call us at 952-473-0534 for more information.