View Single Post
  #3  
Old 05-21-2020, 09:32 PM
EZM's Avatar
EZM EZM is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 11,858
Default

I've moved some about that size a few times on the acreage.

Typically roots are shallow, so a spade will do it without any issues and alot easier - but we used a tractor a hoe and forks. The key was cutting the bigger roots clean with a chainsaw only when needed - ripping bigger roots out and leaving a mangled root system will hurt them.

Dug around it with the hoe, popped the tree free with forks, and moved them a few hundred feet. Had to drag some of the bigger ones which was sketchy - but it was over flat ground and was pinned (strapped) to tractor.

Out of 12 trees only one died. but I'd either do it now so the roots can set, or wait until fall. The longer you go the more likely they are not to root.

Good soil, lots of water this year, and they will have a better chance.

Spade is the safest, fastest and least stressful way to do it - so if you can stomach the price, go for it. Almost same price as a new tree that size - only makes sense if you are doing a few or more.
Reply With Quote