Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Transplanting
Let Big Trees Today Help with Your Tree Transplant Project
Big Trees Today has helped families with their trees in Hillsboro and throughout the greater Portland, Oregon area for over 30 years. Our experts provide professional tree transplanting services. Choose a tree from our many acres of different species or move an existing tree in your yard for aesthetic, protection, or clearance reasons. We have the proper equipment and training for all of your tree planting and transplanting needs. To serve you better, our professionals have answered some of the most frequently asked questions below. For more information on our tree nursery or tree transplanting services for your yard please give the professionals at Big Trees Today a call.
FAQs About Transplanting Trees in Hillsboro, OR
Q: When is the Best Time to Transplant a Tree?
The most important thing to consider when transplanting a tree is the time of year. Transplanting can cause quite a shock for the tree, so it is best to transplant during low-stress seasons. While it is possible to re-plant in the wrong season, it can have significant impacts on the tree when stress factors are not properly mitigated. When you choose Big Trees Today to transplant your tree, we suggest doing so in the late fall, winter, or early spring. However, our team is well-equipped to help you any time of the year. Regardless of the season, we can provide your tree with extra nourishment to help it thrive in its new home.
Q: Can I Transplant a Tree by Hand?
This all depends on the size of the tree you are trying to transplant on your property. If the root ball is 3ft. or smaller, you could probably handle the tree transplant on your own. Anything larger will require unique professional tools to ensure the health of the tree after transplanting. When you have a larger tree transplant project, rely on Big Trees Today’s expertise. We have the tools and knowledge to help. If you have questions before, during, or after your DIY tree transplant, please consider the tree’s health and reach out to us!
Q: How Big of a Tree Can You Transplant?
We can transplant any size of the tree. The limiting factors for large tree transplanting are typical:
1) Budget. Transplanting trees much larger than about 15” trunk diameter (deciduous trees) or 40’ tall (evergreen trees) gets very expensive quickly as we’re not able to use our mechanical tree spade to dig them. Custom hand-digging and moving trees by crane is possible and we’ve proven to be very successful, but it is costly.
2) Mobilization. Getting very large trees down the road is just not possible in some cases. We can get over-dimension permits for length and width, but overpasses on freeways are not very forgiving. Still, with creative planning, we can get very large trees down the road. But it is quite costly.
3) Replacement value. Since we are set up well to transplant trees from 5” trunk diameter up to approx. 15” diameter (depending on the type of tree), the cost of mobilizing our equipment for very a small transplant (<3-4” caliper) just doesn’t make sense. On smaller trees it usually makes more sense to either have a less-qualified landscaper transplant or just replace the tree.
Q: Can an Uprooted Tree Be Transplanted?
Typically uprooted trees have root systems that are very damaged. They can sometimes be saved, but most frequently they cannot. Please contact us if you have an uprooted tree. We’ve been honest and upfront with our customers for over 40 years and can give you a straightforward assessment. We work with many arborists in the area we can recommend to remove the tree and would be happy to connect you as well as provide a replacement tree.
Q: How Do You Transplant a Tree Sapling?
Tree saplings can be easily transplanted by most homeowners. Since you typically want to have 10” of rootball diameter for every one inch of trunk diameter, these little trees can be moved with a shovel. Three important factors you want to keep in mind when transplanting a sapling are:
1) Transplant between November and March if possible. Transplanting during the dormant season makes it easier for trees.
2) Leave the top of the rootball approximately one inch above the surrounding grade.
3) Water your tree at least every other day May through October with one to two gallons per inch trunk diameter.
Following these easy steps can help ensure a successful transplant for your sapling. Of course, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Q: When Can I Transplant Evergreens?
The best time to transplant evergreen trees is in the dormant season (typically November through March). At Big Trees Today, because of our root pruning practice, we can transplant trees from our nursery any time of year. We typically don’t move trees in the heat of summer if the forecast calls for the temperatures to be over 85 degrees for that day.
Q: What is the Survival Rate of Newly Transplanted Trees?
You can expect about a 95 percent survival rate when Big Trees Today handles your tree transplant. Using an appropriate ratio when performing a tree transplant helps the survival of your tree in its new location. We try to stay within a 1:10 ratio of the trunk to root ball when using our tree spade to get the root ball out of the ground. For example, if you have an 8-inch diameter trunk, we will need an 80-inch root ball, and our 90-inch diameter tree spade will be perfect for getting the job done.
Q: What Determines Whether a Tree is Transplantable?
There are three factors determining whether we can perform a tree transplant: the trunk diameter, canopy spread, and if limbs need to be removed. Once we consider these three aspects of the tree, we can either move forward or figure out another solution for your tree project. We’ve helped Hillsboro, OR for more than 40 years find the right tree solutions. Our experience and knowledge help us ensure we can complete your tree transplant if at all possible, and the tree will survive for many years after we finish the job.
Q: Why Should You Stake a Tree after Transplanting?
The professionals at Big Trees Today will set up stakes around your recently transplanted trees when necessary to help give them support while the roots spread and take hold. Having this stabilization helps the tree stand and grow straight. The tree needs the roots to perform this naturally, so we also suggest leaving the stakes attached for a year (unless otherwise recommended). The anchor system can take longer to grow based on the size of the tree’s mature height and root ball, which is what determines how long you should leave in your stakes.
Q: How Often Should I Water a Transplanted Tree?
Your soil type will be the determining factor, but thanks to our knowledge and experience, we can help you establish a watering scheduling after we finish. The transplanted tree’s root system needs to absorb water and oxygen. You want to keep the roots wet, but not soaked. Soaking the roots will prevent them from obtaining oxygen. You should also avoid letting the ground get too dry. If you can clump together the dirt in your hands with soil from 2 inches below the top level, you need to water again. We will help with the health treatments you need to perform after we’re finished.
Reach Out to Big Tree Today to Transplant Your Trees
If you need tree transplanting services for your yard in Hillsboro, OR, please give the professionals at Big Trees Today a call. We have helped Western Oregon communities with their trees for more than 40 years. Allow us to use our knowledge, experience, and professional tools to quickly and effectively take care of your trees and ensure their longevity. Call us today to receive an estimate for our tree transplanting services and let us help you find the right place for your existing trees.