What’s the best way to relocate an established tree?

Alright, you’ve got a tree you need to move. Obviously, this is no easy task, and you’d prefer the tree to survive in its new location – so what’s the best way to move an established tree? Let’s find out.

Decide if your tree is a good candidate for relocation

First things first, you’ll need to determine if your tree is a good candidate to undergo a relocation, as this process causes a great deal of stress to the tree and not every tree will be able to cope. The best way to assess this is to consult a professional arborist to assess your tree and determine whether it’s suitable to be relocated. Otherwise, you’re going to waste a lot of time and effort moving a tree that is unlikely to survive the shock.

Choose your time

You’ll then need to consider the best time of year to relocate your tree. Autumn, winter and early spring are the best times for a relocation, while the tree is less active. Deciduous trees should only be relocated after the leaves have fallen and before new leaves begin to form in spring. The timing is very important, and getting it right will give the tree the best chance of surviving the move and starting to grow again come spring. 

Prepare the tree

You’ll need to start preparing your tree well in advance for a move. To give the tree the best chance of survival, you’ll need to minimise the shock to the tree, and there are a few strategies that tree experts use to do so.

Root pruning is an extremely important step, and should be carried out well before the tree is actually moved, as this encourages the growth of new roots within the root ball. You’ll need to dig a trench around the root ball (without cutting off any roots or hitting any underground utility lines), and prune the roots to a suitable length. Having its roots exposed and trimmed can be a traumatic experience for a tree, so you need to be as gentle as possible when doing so. Root ball preparation and stabilisation will also need to be carried out before relocation.

Prepare the new location

As well as getting the tree prepped to move, you’ll also need to spend some time preparing its new location to receive it. When moving day is getting close, choose the tree’s new position, considering location, sun/shade tolerance, PH desirability, planting depth and the requirements of nearby plants. How well your tree settles in will depend greatly on its location, as well as correct installation. 

Dig the planting hole deep and wide enough to comfortably fit the root ball, without disturbing the soil at the bottom of the hole (which helps prevent settling of the tree). Keep in mind that it’s better to dig the hole bigger than you need and fill it in later, rather than trying to quickly dig a bigger hole once you realise the tree won’t fit.

The soil also needs to be prepared by adding some organic matter (such as fertiliser or compost) into the hole, and breaking up the soil around the area to help encourage root growth into the surrounding soil. Keep this planting hole moist until you actually place the tree in it.

Move with care 

Moving large trees can be tricky, especially if you live in an urban location. You’ll need to ensure the root ball is protected and the branches are tied to avoid unnecessary damage. It’s a good idea to water the tree before moving it, as this makes the soil easier to dig and helps keep the root ball intact. And then you’ll need to transport it safely either to a new site at the same location, or to a completely different location. Either way, you’ll need to plan your route carefully to avoid obstacles and allow for plenty of clearance.

The best way to extract the tree from the ground is by using lifting equipment such as a crane, or even better, a tree spade. Find out more about this amazing tree removal technique here: https://www.heritagetreecare.com.au/about-us/our-equipment/

Replant safely

Once your tree has arrived at its new location, don’t waste too much time replanting it. Carefully lower the tree to its correct planting depth into its previously prepared hole (using appropriate machinery if it’s a large tree). Backfill the hole with the soil you’ve removed and give the tree a good drink of water to help it settle in. 

Use appropriate aftercare

How you look after the tree in the few weeks after relocation is of vital importance to its survival. The tree will need to recover from moving shock and re-establish its roots, which takes a bit of time. You’ll need to water the tree regularly – at least weekly for the first month, and then fortnightly after that. As well, your tree will benefit from mulching the root base, and adding nutrients such as a seaweed solution to give it a boost and encourage healthy growth.

Don’t DIY it

Relocating a tree is well worth it, as it’s a better and quicker option than cutting a tree down in one location, and planting a new tree in another. However, the process of relocating an already established tree is usually NOT a DIY job. Sure, it seems like the cheaper option, but unless you have the expert knowledge and specialised equipment required, it’s just not worth it. Relocating a tree can be risky – not just to yourself, but also to the tree if you don’t properly carry out the process. Even small trees can be heavy, unwieldy and difficult to move, and one wrong move could see you injuring yourself, damaging your tree or even damaging your property.

As well, successful tree relocation requires a good amount of planning and prep work beforehand – tasks which are made much easier by expert knowledge and experience. It’s far better to consult a professional if you’re unsure about things such as:

• How far out you need to dig a root ball trench
• How much to prune the roots
• How best to prepare the new location
• How to safely transport a tree
• The best way to plant a transplanted tree

If your tree is more than one metre tall or the trunk is more than four inches in diameter, your best option is to consult a professional tree relocation service such as Heritage Tree Care, which can expertly relocate your tree in Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba. These professionals will use specialised equipment and machinery to dig up the tree, wrap the root ball and transport and plant it safely.

And one more thing …

Choose your tree transplanting service wisely

You’re going to all the effort of relocating a tree, so you need to give it the best chance of survival. It’s important to choose an expert tree relocation service to ensure the success of your relocation – such as Heritage Tree Care. From meticulous initial consultation and thorough reports to dedicated aftercare for transplanted trees, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs. With our advanced techniques and commitment to preserving the health of your trees, you can trust us to handle your tree relocation needs with utmost care and professionalism. Get in contact here for advice or a quote – we’re always happy to help.