[10:08 AM, 10/3/2024] Surendra Kumbhar:
Transplanting a mature tree can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. At Clorophil, we specialize in landscape design and management, and we understand that properly transplanting a tree requires meticulous planning and execution. Below, we'll guide you through the pre-transplantation and post-transplantation processes, including timeline estimations, methods, care, and precautions for ensuring a successful transition for big grown-up trees.
A) Pre-Transplantation Treatment
Before you begin transplanting a large tree, it’s vital to prepare adequately. The following steps should take place about 2 to 3 months before the actual transplantation to prepare the tree for its new location.
Although transplanting a mature tree might be difficult it is certainly rewarding. As an expert in Landscape design and management, we at Clorophil know that transplanting a tree needs approach with high precision and care. We're here to walk you through both before-the-transplanting and after-the-transplanting stages, learn when it happens best, how it happens well along with all kinds of You need to be done and should not do for a tree transplanting for big. growing trees.
Pre-Transplant Treatment
However, large trees require to be prepped before transplant. The following steps must be in the order here about 2 to 3 months prior to the actual transplantation — for a head start on getting everything situated.
1. Week 1 — Trre assessment
a) Health Check — The tree should be healthy. Check for disease or pests and treat if necessary.
b) Tree inventory: inventory based on physiology of the tree can be made to determine the possibility of success of transplant. It may include nomenclature, root system, Habitat like deciduous or evergreen, age etc
2. Soil and Location Analysis (1 week)
Soil Testing: Perform soil tests on the current site and any new sites to check that pH levels and nutrient profiles are similar.
- Location Planning: Your novel location need to acknowledge the tree for its sunlight and water requirements with the intention of corresponding in addition by these environmental conditions.
3. Branch Pruning (1 month)
Timing: 1 month before transplanting, No thinning of branches in the canopy only. This reduces water loss and preserves the tree with during this event.
How: Prune out any dead or weakened branches and open up the tree's interior to let more light in without compromising shape. A rooting harmone can be applied at this stage with regular watering. This will help tree to initiate white roots well before shifting of the tree.
4. Root Pruning (1 month)
Timing —Root pruning with branch pruning If roots will need to be extracted during the move, they should be cut about a month before you actually lift the shrub or tree so it has ample time to grow new feeder roots.
How: Cut roots with spade, cutting at a distance from the trunk corresponding to the size of the canopy. The target should be 2.5 to 3 feet away from the trunk for a desired root ball size. ( Generally 6 times of the diameter of the trunk)
Please Note- It is very crucial activity to maintain root-shoot ratio for a tree to be a successful transplant.
5. Root Ball Tying (2 weeks later)
Timing: About two weeks before transplant
--How: After root pruning, use a burlap wrap to hold the roots and soil together. Remember to leave your strings somewhat loose that way the roots do not get cut off.
6. Root BallBaring(1 week)
Timing: 1 week before move.
How: Carefully dig around the root ball to a depth and width. The root ball, should usually be 10-12 inches of soil depth for every inch trunk diameter.
7. Lifting and Shifting (Day of Transplant)
How: on the day of transplanting, carefully lift the tree from its current location using a tree lift or cranes. Move it to the new spot right away after you dig, as it will suffer less transplant shock.
Avoid using a chain while lifting, as it may tear the bark of the tree, use a belt instead. Follow all safety measures, as most of the accidents occur at this stage.
Pit should not be too dip or too shallow. It should not have glazed sides.
Maintain the collar of the tree at new location. Additional stake can be provided as support.
B) Post-Transplantation Activities and Care
The Aftercare — Once the tree has been successfully transplanted, it needs to be cared for in order to bring it back and eventually have it start growing again in its new home.
1.Watering(Now and recurring.)
Shortly after planting : After you have planted the tree, give it a good soaking water to make sure the root ball is thoroughly dampened.. Keep the soil moist.
Continuing: Without saturating the first year, normal root region soil moistness is allowed to dry out between watering.
2.Mulching and soil stabilization
How: Mulch with an organic material but avoid placing it against the trunk This helps the soil retain moisture, inhibits weed growth, and creates balanced soil temperatures.
Soil Characteristics Match: If the surrounding soil properties are not a good match, then amend using organic compost that mimics the native nutrient profile of where the tree originated from.
3. Continue to Measure Growth and Health ongoing
Key indicators: Watch for new leaves as the plant grows (so exciting!) The first year post-transplant is a crucial one as dieback or lack of new growth can signal stress.
4. 1ST YEAR: STAY AWAY FROM DISTURBANCE
Precautions: For at least a year don't be walking around heavy with a tree, no construction nearby
Proper Distance from the Mother Location: Ensure that the tree is at least 10-15 feet away from home or other structure else it will struggle to survive.
Conclusion
However, though tree transplantation is a complex activity, with careful preparation of the Clorophil team, even transplanting large trees can end up successful and generate great results on its growth in a completely new environment. Be sure to call in the pros for a thorough evaluation and reinforcement for your specific situation. We want to plant the new transplant where the tree will have more appropriate chances for long-term survival. Survival of the plant is dependent on many factors, internal or external.
And Clorophil is by your side every step of the way bringing expertise in landscape management. If you find yourself needing support – from an assessment, transportation, or ongoing care perspective — get in touch for our expert assistance!