Trees – they bring so much to both our urban and rural environments, and add a healthy dose of greenery, shade and appeal to any location. They provide fruit and flowers, a home for birds, shade to play or rest in and a welcome relief for the eyes. So, it’s understandable that we want to give them the best care possible – which might include relocating them to a better area.
There are many reasons why you might want to move a tree, including:
- A tree is growing in an inconvenient location for a building project
- You’re moving to a new house and want to take a tree from your old house with you
- You want to quickly establish mature trees in an area
- A tree is unsuited to the location in which it is currently growing
- A tree has grown so much it is blocking light into your property
- A tree may be at risk of falling onto your house
- You need to quickly add shade to an area
Relocating a tree is the perfect solution to the problems of trees being in the wrong place or wanting to take a cherished tree with you when you move. And it allows you to preserve the tree, rather than simply destroying it. While it’s not an easy task, healthy and mature trees can be transplanted to a different area under the care of an expert arborist. Here’s what you need to know before you get started on your tree relocation project.
Does size matter?
When it comes to tree relocation, size doesn’t actually matter. Yes, you may have the Mount Everest of trees growing in your yard, but no matter how big your tree is, it can be relocated successfully. So, don’t be concerned if you have an enormous and stately tree to move – plenty of large trees are successful relocated regularly without a problem.
Of course, a larger tree is likely to pose more difficulties with relocation than a smaller one. It will usually have a larger rootball size and will thus require a deeper and wider excavation. As well, bigger trees are more difficult to transport to their new location, and may require a large truck to get the job done. The route from the old location to the new location must also be chosen carefully, as there must be sufficient vertical and horizontal clearance for the tree to be transported. And all the extra effort a larger tree requires usually means the cost will be more expensive. But the process is perfectly achievable even for those trees you think are far too large to move.
What method do you use to excavate a tree?
Heritage Tree Care uses a technique called vacuum excavation. This safe and cost-effective method allows us to dig safely around root systems and keep the rootball intact, without damaging the cambium layer of the roots. This is important in ensuring the long-term health of the tree and to give it the best possible chance of survival. When the tree roots remain intact, the tree is much more likely to survive being transplanted to a new location.
What’s the process of successful tree relocation?
Tree relocation needs to be carried out extremely carefully to ensure the tree survives the move and flourishes in its new location. The process we follow includes:
- Consultation and assessment: We provide an expert and thorough assessment of your tree and its current location, and advise on the suitability, practicality and cost of relocating a tree.
- Planning and preparation: We devise an individualised and thorough plan for the relocation to give your tree the best chance of survival.
- Pre-relocation care: We carefully prepare the tree before transplanting to help it adjust to the move.
- Tree extraction: Using our vacuum excavation method, we extract the tree, wrap the rootball and sometimes tie the branches in preparation for transportation.
- Tree transportation: We carefully and safely transport the tree to its new location, using a minutely-planned route that allows for plenty of clearance.
- Tree replanting: We prepare the new site and replant the tree using the best methods of tree care so that it establishes in its new location healthily.
- Post-relocation care: We provide excellent aftercare to ensure your tree settles in well to its new site, recovers from the shock of relocation, doesn’t develop any problems and thrives after the adjustment period is over.
How do you ensure the survival of the tree?
Here at Heritage Tree Care we ensure the survival of a tree through a number of methods.
First, our vacuum excavation method ensures that we keep the all-important tree roots as safe and undisturbed as possible, giving the tree a much better chance of survival. Advancements in the science of tree relocation have allowed us to hone techniques to minimise any hazards and reduce the likelihood of tree stress. Aftercare is vital to relocation success, and we provide excellent and thorough aftercare to make sure the tree stays healthy. As well, all of our tree removals are supervised by an experienced consulting arborist to ensure your tree receives the best and most thorough care.
Will the tree be exactly the same after relocation?
Your tree may not look exactly the same after being relocated – and that’s quite normal. The tree may need to be pruned for transport or to fit into its new location, or branches may die or lose their vitality due to the shock of relocation. But the important thing is that it’s still the same tree, and it will regrow after it has settled in to its new home.
What problems might you encounter with tree relocation?
The biggest problem you’ll usually encounter is with tree access. You’ll need a certain amount of clear space around the tree to allow for machine access, and that may not always be possible. It’s best to consult a professional to help you decide whether it’s possible and cost effective to move a certain tree.
Are there any special considerations with relocating a tree in Brisbane?
Transporting a tree through Brisbane can be something of a challenge, as we’ll need to ensure the route has plenty of vertical and horizontal clearance to allow the tree to pass through (not an easy feat in a busy and built-up city like Brisbane!). Tree relocation in Brisbane is certainly possible – but it does depend on your location. Narrow roads, bridges, overpasses and other obstacles may make a move too difficult.
Can I relocate a tree myself?
No – it’s a specialist job requiring careful planning, expert knowledge and specialised equipment. It’s best to consult a professional tree relocation service such as Heritage Tree Care, which expertly relocates trees in the Brisbane, Gold Coast, Redlands, Ipswich, Logan and Toowoomba areas. Contact us to find out more.