Relocating a TreeJust because a tree is growing in the wrong place doesn't mean you have to destroy it. If you have a tree growing too near the house or garage or smack dab in the middle of where you want the new family room, you have another option - transplant the tree to a new location. We faced the dilemma a few years ago when we moved into a house with a lovely little Dogwood that had been planted too close to a large old Poplar. It was being smothered. Eventually the Dogwood would have to be cut down or so we thought. After consulting with some tree experts we discovered that trees can be moved. Professional tree movers have the equipment and experience to dig up the tree and its large root ball so it has a good chance of survival. Some tree movers will dig out a small tree by hand but most use a large hydraulically powered machine called a tree spade. A small tree spade has its own wheels and is pulled like a trailer. The large unit is mounted on a truck chassis. Their digging blades look like large spades that open to surround the tree. Then they're locked closed around its trunk. The spades are forced into the ground at a slight angle so they dig deep under the tree and its root system. The spade then lifts the tree and root ball out of the ground so it can be moved to the new location. Is all this worth it? That depends on the dollar and/or sentimental value you place on the tree. Sentimental value is hard to measure but trees, especially mature ones, are very valuable. For example, a large Holly tree with a 8 in. diameter trunk would be worth a $1000 or more. Before you cut down a mature tree check with a landscape contractor or a nurseryman to find out how much it will cost to replace the tree. If you don't want the tree or there's no place to replant it on your property, call a tree mover before you cut it down. It's not uncommon for them to move a tree and restore the area for no fee. Your unwanted tree will end up on their tree farm. Tree moving is not inexpensive but generally it costs less than the value of the tree. The cost of the move is related to the tree trunk diameter (caliber) and the size of the tree spade needed to move it. In the Mid-Atlantic states, for example, you can expect to pay about $400 to have a typical 8 ft. high 6-in. caliber Dogwood transplanted. In addition to transplanting the tree, the mover will do some selective pruning of about one-third of a year's growth. After living through a successful tree transplant we found that a little pre-planning makes this project run smoothly. Contact your local water, sewer, electric and gas companies to find out the location of your utility lines. They must be marked so the tree mover can avoid hitting them when he digs into the ground. Some areas have a Miss Utility service that checks out property and marks it so the lines are avoided. To find a local Miss Utility service call 800-information, 1-800-555-1212. A tree spade is a brute of a truck that can crush a sewer or water line or the spades might severe one. If overhead telephone lines are in the path of the tree spade they might have to be dropped. Usually utility companies are cooperative and do not charge for this service. But ask the tree mover what he suggests and then reconfirm this with your local utility company before the move. To protect your lawn and driveway insist that the tree mover works only when the ground is firm. Old plywood sheeting placed under the wheels of the truck will prevent them from making deep ruts in your lawn. Use the plywood to protect your driveway from possible cracks if the tree spade must cross it. Protect yourself against liability by making sure the tree mover has insurance and can show you his certificate of insurance. Not all trees are good candidates for moving. Here's what to consider. Type: In general, soft woods and early blooming trees transplant well. Older oak trees and nut trees don't always make the transition and adjustment as successfully. Size: The tree should be less than 24 inches in circumference or 12 inches in diameter. Age: The younger, the better. Some older trees can make a healthy adjustments but the stress a tree undergoes can be more critical to an older tree. Accessibility: There has to be enough room for the tree spade to maneuver around the sides of the base of the tree. And the truck has to be able to get to the tree without destroying property (yours or your neighbors.) Timing: The spring and fall are the best seasons, but anytime when the ground is not too soft or frozen a tree can successfully be moved. written by Gene and Katie Hamilton
|
|