Sometimes it takes a few years to realize that the originally small tree has grown quite big - much too big for its current location. Or the 100-year-old beech tree that is too valuable to cut down has to make way for a municipal construction project. No matter why transplanting is necessary, it requires lengthy planning.

Large trees usually have very large roots, which are damaged when transplanted

Why transplanting large trees is problematic

You can't just dig up a large and old tree and plant it in a new location. There is a high probability that he will not survive this procedure. The reason for this lies in the countless fine roots, which are responsible for absorbing water and nutrients and are therefore vital. These are always far away from the trunk and are simply cut when digging up. the resulting imbalance between the severely shortened root ball and the aerial part of the tree causes the tree to starve. By the way, tree nurseries circumvent this problem by replanting the trees every three to five years or at least cutting off the roots. This allows a compact root system to develop and makes transplanting easier.

How to transplant a large tree

You can also use this trick in your home garden. The best way to do this is as follows:

  • In the autumn before the planned transplanting, dig out the roots around the tree trunk with a spade.
  • The selected diameter should roughly correspond to that of the crown.
  • Dig a narrow, spade-deep ditch.
  • Fill this with compost.
  • Wait a year until next fall.
  • Now dig the trench again.
  • The root ball should have developed compactly.
  • This way fewer vital roots are lost during transplanting.
  • Cut the roots outside of this ball.
  • Loosen the root ball.
  • Now dig up the tree and replant it in its new location.
  • Don't forget to cut it back by at least a third.
  • Water plentifully, this will make it easier to grow.

With very large and old trees, this work can only be done with correspondingly heavy equipment. In this case, it makes sense to entrust a specialist company with the task. This also increases the chance that the tree will survive the procedure.

tips

If it is clear to you that you want or have to move the young tree at some point, adopt the tree nursery method: Cut through the roots every three years to achieve compact growth.

Category:

Trees