Large Tree Moving
Introducing large trees into a new landscape
can lend the project an instant mature beauty and scale.
The ability to successfully relocate large trees is an
uncommon skill. We pride ourselves in being able to
offer this service to our clients.
We were once asked by
Michael VanValkenburgh Associates
Landscape Architects to relocate five large
sugar maples, which were growing too close
together, at Phillips Exeter Academy. The
30-foot tall trees had been in place for 10
years, and were to be relocated in the large
lawn area in front of the Kahn Library.
We determined that winter was the best time
to move these trees, utilizing the frozen root
ball technique, allowing frost to enter the
pre-dug root ball. In the fall, we mulched
the trees in order to prevent the soil ball from
freezing before we wanted it to. When we
had a stretch of appropriate weather, we dug
the trees, hand crafted the root balls and
laced them up with burlap and twine. Frost
was then allowed to enter the outer six-inches of the root ball to facilitate
handling.
We relocated the trees to carefully measured
pre-dug holes with our front-end loader. Soil
was placed around the root balls, and a protective blanket of wood chips applied.
Spring proved our efforts to be successful as each tree came into full and beautiful
leaf. There are a variety of techniques available to move large trees.
Should the need arise on your property, we would be
pleased to offer advice and suggestions on how to successfully relocate large
trees and carry out your project.
