How To Safely and Efficiently Tree Transplant Without Killing Its Roots?

How To Safely and Efficiently Tree Transplant Without Killing Its Roots?

Occasionally, a tree’s placement can present some problems and difficulties. Perhaps it is blocking a construction project or maybe the tree is floundering from inadequate water or light in its current location.

Whatever may be the case, you don’t have to hire the best tree services in Depew to chop the poor tree down. You can easily opt for tree transplanting. Here is the guide for tree planting in another spot without killing its roots. 

Steps For Correct Tree Transplanting Task
 Prune The Roots

The tree transplanting process begins several months before the relocation with roots pruning. This task encourages the growth of new feeder roots to help the tree better adapt to its new location. Look below to know the steps of tree roots pruning –

Step 1 – Calculate How Much Of The Roots To Prune

As a general rule, the tree root ball should be about 1 foot in diameter for every 1 inch of trunk thickness. So, if the tree trunk is 3 inches thick, aim to prune the root ball to around 3 feet in diameter. 

Step 2 – Dig Trench Around Root Ball

Dig a narrow trench around the tree’s root ball with a flat spade. It should be around 2 feet deep and 1 foot wide. One must place the spade straight up, perpendicular to the ground, and step on it. This will force the sharp point of the spade through the root.

Step 3 – Replace Soil Around Pruned Roots

After digging the trench, refill it with the dug-up soil. When you return months later for the tree transplanting process, you will find new feeder roots growing close to the tree trunk. 

 Transplant The Tree

After the root pruning, give the tree a few months to establish a new root system. Once the tree appears healthy to transplant and the timing is right, follow the steps below.

Step 4 – Choose A Suitable New Site

Select the new location for the tree carefully. Make sure the new spot has adequate space for the tree to thrive. It must also have proper light, soil, and water conditions.

Step 5 – Water The Tree Before Transplanting

Water the tree’s soil one day before. Moist soil will be easier to dig and will keep the root ball cohesive.

Step 6 – Dig A Hole In The New Site

In the new location, start digging a hole 3 times as wide as the root ball. But the depth should be the same as the root ball. This will allow the lateral roots sufficient room to spread out.

Step 7 – Dig Around The Tree 

Next, dig around the tree with a sharp and flat spade. It should be 6 inches further out than the pruned roots. 

Step 8 – Use Burlap For Tree Transplanting

After the tree is completely free of the ground, place a sheet of burlap in the hole and coax the tree roots over it. Lift the tree with the burlap and not by the trunk to prevent breakage.

Step 9 – Move And Place The Tree In The New Location

Secure the burlap with twine and carry the tree to its new site. Place the tree into the new hole and make sure the base of the trunk is level with the ground.

Safely Transplant Your Trees With The Branch Specialists Depew Team

The tree transplanting process must be timed right and conducted carefully for fruitful results. Something in which our skilled arborists are pros! We carefully prune and replant the tree without hampering its root system. Connect with us to know more!

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