both the tree’s current location and the new location. Some species of deciduous trees, tol- erate relocation very well and can be moved during their dormant season. On the other hand, trees with long taproots, like certain oaks, walnuts, and pecans, are much more difficult to transplant, since damage to the taproot could potentially kill the tree. Marks says Environmental Design uses an altered excavation process when moving a tree with a deep taproot. “Anything with the taproot, we’ll go less diameter of a root ball,” he says. “And go deeper and have a cylin- der-shaped root ball so we’re getting the taproot.” Of course, certain trees can be greatly harmed if they’re moved during a less- than-ideal season. For example, decid- uous trees shouldn’t be moved during their blooming or growing season. These are best moved during dormancy in late fall or early spring. On the other hand, evergreens prefer early spring or late summer as an ideal transplanting season. It’s critical to know and understand the nuances of the tree you’re working with to ensure an efficient relocation process and its future health. When planning for tree relocation, the soil at the tree’s current location and the soil at the proposed new site must be thoroughly evaluated. Marks says that examining the soil conditions enables you to plan for the methods and machinery needed during the excavation process. These consider- ations will also help you price the proj- ect and quote the job accurately. “The challenges of soil conditions are a big [price] factor. Because there’s so much rock in Austin, we had to buy a half a million-dollar machine to get around the rock,” he explains. “We bought kind of a directional, rock-boring
In many cases, boxing or wrapping a root ball and laying it against a truck is a popular method of moving a tree.
ered assets that enhance property value exponentially. By choosing relocation, clients maintain or increase the value of their property, providing immediate return on investment compared to the slow growth of new plantings. “We’re getting people to understand the importance of having these her- itage trees that are big and signato- ry,” says Holland. “We’re giving these trees a whole new life, and it’s instant growth instead of waiting years.”
THE RELOCATION PROCESS: FROM A TO Z
Relocating a tree is a complex, delicate process that requires careful planning and execution. Species, Season, and Soil The first step when moving a tree is evaluating the project itself. The suc- cess of tree relocation can depend heavily on the time of year, the species of the tree, and the soil conditions in
40 | ArborTIMES Summer 2024
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