Can I Move A Mature Tree?

Machine used for transplanting large trees

Sometimes you have to consider moving a mature tree if it is planted incorrectly. Moving full-grown trees lets you alter your landscape significantly and very fast. Continue reading to get the answer to the questions, “Can I move a mature tree? How do I do it?”
 
Moving Mature Trees

Moving a mature tree from the field to the yard delivers a visual focal point, vertical interest, and shade. Although the result is faster than waiting for a seed to grow, a mature tree move doesn’t happen overnight.

You must plan far ahead when you want to transplant a big tree. Transplanting a mature tree takes energy on your part and creates stress for the tree. Though, moving a mature tree doesn’t have to be a disaster for either the tree or you.

Usually, a huge tree loses a big part of its roots in a move. This creates a complicated situation for the tree to recover once it is put in its new spot. The secret to effectively transplanting a mature tree is to aid the tree in growing roots that can move with it to its new space.

When to Move Mature Trees

If you want to know when to move mature trees, you can move a mature in autumn or late winter/early spring. The tree transplant has the greatest chance of victory if you do it in these periods. Transplant mature trees only after the leaves have fallen off or before the bud breaks. 

How to Transplant a Large Tree

If you plan to do it yourself (not recommended) instead of asking an arborist (highly recommended), find out how to do it before you begin.

The first step is the root pruning. This entails trimming the roots at least 24 weeks before the transplant. Root pruning stimulates new roots to develop close to the tree, in the area of the root ball that will be moved with the tree. If you’re planning to transplant a mature tree in October, perform root pruning in March. If you are moving your mature tree in March, October is when you want to root prune. A deciduous tree isn’t to be root pruned until all its leaves have fallen off during dormancy.

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