Tree Transplanting and Relocation
in Eugene, OR
Our professional team uses specialized equipment and proven techniques to safely relocate trees with minimal stress to the plant. We understand that some trees hold sentimental value or may be rare specimens worth preserving rather than removing.
When you choose our tree transplanting service, we take care of the entire process. First, we assess the tree's health and size to determine if relocation is viable. We then prepare both the tree and the new planting site to ensure the best chance of survival. Our careful root-ball preparation and expert handling methods have helped countless trees thrive in their new homes across New Jersey and beyond.
Many property owners don't realize that tree relocation is even possible. Whether you're renovating your landscape, developing a property, or simply want to rearrange your outdoor space, our tree transplanting service offers an environmentally friendly alternative to removal. We provide comprehensive care before, during, and after the move to help your tree establish itself and flourish in its new location. Contact us today to discuss how we can help save and relocate your valuable trees
Benefits of Tree Relocation
Tree relocation saves mature specimens that would otherwise be destroyed during construction or development. You can preserve trees with historical, sentimental, or landscape value instead of starting over with saplings.
Relocated mature trees provide immediate aesthetic impact, shade, and privacy that new plantings take decades to achieve. This instant landscape enhancement can significantly increase property values and create immediate curb appeal.
Tree relocation supports environmental conservation by maintaining existing tree canopy. Each preserved mature tree continues capturing carbon, filtering air pollutants, and providing wildlife habitat without interruption.
From a cost perspective, relocating valuable specimen trees often proves more economical than removing and replacing them with comparable new plantings. We can help you evaluate which trees will provide the best return on your transplanting investment.
Pre-Transplant Procedures
Our meticulous pre-transplant procedures focus on comprehensive site evaluation, careful root ball excavation, and strategic root pruning to minimize shock.
1. Site Assessment and Preparation
We begin every transplant project with a thorough site assessment. This involves evaluating both the original location and the destination site for soil composition, drainage patterns, and sun exposure. Our team checks for underground utilities and potential obstacles that might affect the move.
We prepare the destination site by excavating a hole approximately 2-3 times wider than the root ball but only as deep as the root ball itself. This encourages horizontal root growth after transplanting. The soil at the new location is tested and amended as needed with organic matter to improve aeration and drainage.
Prior to moving day, we ensure proper irrigation systems are in place at the new location. This preparation minimizes transplant shock and gives your tree the best possible start in its new home.
2. Root Ball Excavation Techniques
Our root ball excavation process preserves as much of the tree's root system as possible. For most deciduous trees, we calculate the root ball size based on trunk diameter - typically 10-12 inches of root ball diameter for each inch of trunk diameter.
We use specialized equipment including air spades and hydraulic tree spades to carefully expose and preserve roots. This approach minimizes damage compared to traditional digging methods. The soil around the root ball is loosened gradually, working from the outside toward the trunk.
We wrap larger root balls with burlap and wire baskets to maintain integrity during transport. For smaller specimens, we might use the bare-root method during dormant seasons. Our excavation timing always considers seasonal factors - typically performing this work during early spring or fall when trees are less stressed.
3. Root Pruning Considerations
Root pruning is a critical step we perform several months before transplanting larger trees. This process stimulates the growth of new feeder roots within what will become the root ball, improving transplant success rates.
We carefully prune roots in a circle around the tree at the planned root ball diameter. The cuts are made with sharp, clean tools to create clean wounds that heal quickly. For larger specimens, we might implement a multi-stage root pruning plan spanning 1-2 growing seasons.
Immediately after root pruning, we apply mycorrhizal fungi treatments to encourage new root development. We also provide supplemental water during this preparation period to reduce stress. Our root pruning schedule accounts for seasonal timing - avoiding summer heat when trees are actively growing and most vulnerable to shock.
4. Hydraulic Tree Spades
Our hydraulic tree spades are the workhorses of our transplantation operations. These remarkable machines use powerful hydraulic systems to drive sharp spades into the soil around a tree's base. The spades create a cone-shaped root ball that preserves the most essential parts of the root system.
We operate tree spades in various sizes, from smaller units for ornamental trees to industrial-grade spades capable of handling trees with trunk diameters up to 10 inches. The hydraulic systems ensure precise control during the critical extraction phase.
When your trees need moving, our operators carefully calculate the appropriate spade size based on the tree's species, age, and size. This customized approach helps maximize survival rates after transplantation.
5. Heavy Machinery for Large Tree Relocation
For substantial specimens, we employ specialized heavy equipment including cranes, excavators, and front-end loaders. These powerful machines work together to safely manage trees that exceed the capacity of standard tree spades.
Our cranes can lift trees weighing several tons while keeping the root ball intact. We use protective wrapping and support systems to prevent damage to the trunk and branches during the lifting process.
The excavators prepare receiving sites with precision, ensuring proper depth and width for the relocated tree. This careful preparation is crucial for successful establishment after transplanting.
We've invested in low-impact treads for our heavy machinery to minimize disruption to your property during the relocation process. Your landscape's integrity remains a top priority throughout our operations.
6. Tree Spade Trucks in Action
Our tree spade trucks combine mobility with transplanting power. These specialized vehicles feature mounted hydraulic tree spades that can be driven directly to both extraction and planting sites.
The trucks allow our team to efficiently complete tree relocations without transferring trees between multiple pieces of equipment. This streamlined approach reduces stress on the tree and increases transplanting success rates.
We maintain a fleet of different sized tree spade trucks to handle various transplanting needs. Each truck is regularly serviced to ensure optimal performance during your tree relocation project.
The maneuverability of our tree spade trucks enables us to access challenging locations while still providing professional transplanting services. Even trees in tight spaces between buildings or in backyard settings can often be successfully relocated with our specialized equipment.
Tree Transplanting Best Practices
Seasonal Timing and Weather Conditions
The timing of your tree transplant significantly impacts its success. We recommend transplanting deciduous trees during late fall or early spring when they're dormant. Evergreens typically transplant best in early fall or late spring when soil temperatures are moderate.
Weather conditions play a crucial role too. Avoid transplanting during extreme heat, drought, or freezing temperatures. Ideally, choose an overcast day with mild temperatures and moist soil conditions.
We always check the extended forecast before scheduling transplants. If a heatwave or cold snap is expected, we'll adjust our timing accordingly. This attention to seasonal timing helps reduce transplant shock and gives your trees the best chance at thriving in their new location.
Canopy Management and Pruning
Proper pruning before transplanting helps balance the tree's reduced root system with its canopy needs. We typically remove 20-30% of the canopy when transplanting mature trees. This reduces water stress and energy demands during the critical establishment period.
Our pruning focuses on removing damaged, diseased, or crossing branches first. We then selectively thin the canopy while maintaining the tree's natural shape. This strategic approach preserves the tree's aesthetic appeal while improving its transplant survival odds.
Never prune too aggressively as this can further stress the tree. We use clean, sharp tools and make proper cuts to prevent damage and disease entry. Our experienced arborists understand the specific pruning needs of different tree species to ensure optimal results for your transplanted trees.
Post-Transplant Care and Monitoring
Water management is crucial after transplanting. We create a watering schedule tailored to your tree's species, size, and the current weather conditions. Most newly transplanted trees need deep watering 2-3 times weekly for the first few months.
Mulching properly helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. We apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch in a ring around the tree, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest problems.
Regular monitoring is essential for spotting early warning signs of stress. We look for leaf wilting, discoloration, or unusual leaf drop. Soil moisture testing ensures proper hydration levels are maintained. Some trees may need supplemental nutrients during establishment, which we can provide based on soil tests and visible growth patterns.
Why Choose Us
At Elite Crew Tree Service, we provide expert tree consultation services for both residential and commercial properties. Our certified arborists bring years of experience to every job, ensuring each tree receives proper care and assessment.
We offer comprehensive services including tree removal, trimming, topping, and stump grinding. When you're dealing with trees that are diseased, obstructing views, or growing too close to power lines, our team can help determine the best course of action.
Our reputation is built on excellence and reliability. We understand that tree issues can arise unexpectedly, which is why we provide 24-hour emergency service for storm damage. Your safety is our top priority.
We begin every project with a FREE consultation. During this assessment, we examine your trees' health, identify potential hazards, and discuss your specific needs. We pride ourselves on pricing that fits your budget while maintaining high-quality work.
Tree conservation is central to our philosophy. When possible, we recommend preservation techniques rather than removal. Our professional arboriculture practices ensure we balance your property needs with environmental stewardship.
You can trust us with all your tree care needs. From routine maintenance to complex removals requiring bucket trucks or cranes, we have the equipment and expertise to handle the job safely and efficiently.
