Any tips on how to safely move and translplant a tree?
By Catkin
@Catkin (480)
United States
January 14, 2007 4:27pm CST
Hullo there myLotters,
One one side of my family's house, a small hemlock tree has been growing for at least the past year. We have yet to get around to moving it, and it's now nearly four feet tall. It's growing directly against the house and needs to be moved, but do you think it's too late? I don't want to see it chopped down, even though it is still small; do you know of any safe ways to remove it from the ground without damaging the roots or traumatizing the little tree? If they are like most conifers, the root system will be shallow, but may have spread out quite far. Any hints or tips would be greatly appreciated, as I would like to do whatever possible to save this tree!
1 response
@rhinoboy (2129)
•
25 Jan 07
As in the previous post, you should sacrific the tree if it's too close to the house. You don't want to risk serious damage to your house.
As for the transplant, do it as soon as you can. Trees should be transplanted in winter while they are in their dormant period. This is much less stressful than transplanting during the warmer months when the tree is trying to grow.
Basically, the roots normally match the foliage on the top, so dig the hole as wide as the branches reach. Depending on where or how you are moving it, remove as much soil from the roots ball as necessary.
When in it's new place, tread in with earth and firm thoroughly.
