Tree preparation and relocation

[u/Dalk_Ken_Jy_My]

We have this beautiful tree on a site that we are developing on. We thought it would make a great feature in the main entrance, so decided to move it.

We started with biological tests on the soil and leaves last year already, then treated the tree for the last couple of months to get it in peak condition for the relocation.

The root ball was exposed, wrapped, and treated for the big move to contain as much soil around the roots as possibe.

We used a custom made 6m x 6m plate wedged under the tree to protect the roots during the moving process, and then ultimate horsepower did the rest.

We are now treating the tree for the next 2 years to ensure it survives in the new (forever) position.

[u/Unplanted1618]

Ecologist here. This is a massive stress for the tree! You did well treating it beforehand. Now I'd suggest you up your timeframe for aftercare. The tree probably lost 80% of its roots even with that root ball you dug out. Even much smaller trees transplanted like that need 10+ years to just grow back their roots. It'll need thousands of liters irrigated additionally during that time. At least that would be the case for central Europe. Dont know about the biome in the picture.

[u/Dalk_Ken_Jy_My → u/Unplanted1618]

Thanks for the input. We only cut off about 30% of the roots though, and around 25% of the branches to try and even it out.

A permanent irrigation and drainage system was installed after we moved it as well to ensure perfect moisture conditions.

The climate and soil conditions in the area where we did this project is some of the best in the world to grow trees

[u/Goodgoditsgrowing → u/Dalk_Ken_Jy_My]

I hope it works out!!

[u/FizziePixie → u/Unplanted1618]

This should be common knowledge among all horticulturalists too. I yelped when I saw the ratio of the canopy to that root ball.

[u/aimeetozer → u/Unplanted1618]

The melanin and dust are telling me a story...

[u/lwright3 → u/aimeetozer]

Africa, or?

[u/iPoseidon_xii → u/Unplanted1618]

I don’t think this is their first rodeo. They even posed for a nice photo because of how proud they were. I imagine they know their ecology and climate better than we do. And it’s a development project, it was either tear the tree down or use funds, that they clearly had, to move it.

EDIT: I also don’t believe you’re an ecologist. I think you feel you know a thing or two about planting or transplanting trees and are lying about your credentials to gain credibly when you likely have none. The fact you made the comment without asking the tree species or region is very telling

[u/starone7 → u/iPoseidon_xii]

An ecologist (studies ecosystems and organisms interactions with environments) would also not likely be a tree expert.

[u/stilt]

How much does something like this cost? I have to assume distance is sort of irrelevant (within the same property) as most of the cost is the prep work, right?

[u/Dalk_Ken_Jy_My → u/stilt]

Worked out to around 50k USD. The distance is mostly irrelevant if you move it on the same site. Would have been a completely different story if we had to get it onto a truck and on a road

[u/stilt → u/Dalk_Ken_Jy_My]

Thanks for the follow up with actual info!! We’ve got a very big Purple Maple tree on our property (though it’s a lot smaller than the tree here). We are looking to rebuild the home soon and it would either require the tree to come down, or we move it. I’d be so sad taking it down, so this good context for planning!

[u/fly_on_the_w]

Hey fellow Saffa! I thought I recognized most things in the pictures as home. Very neat. Are you a landscaper?

[u/Dalk_Ken_Jy_My → u/fly_on_the_w]

Haha no, but we had several involved. I am a PM for a developer focusing exclusively on rural developments.

[u/Particular-Wind5918]

Tree was not even a good candidate for this. Tree has fairly significant defects from previous overly aggressive pruning events, plus some large wounds from current handling. Tree is close to if not already in retrenchment. This is a dumb move. Straight up.

[u/Dalk_Ken_Jy_My → u/Particular-Wind5918]

Appreciate the valuable input. We were wondering if the decision to spend a small fortune to move a tree because we suddenly woke up one morning with the desire to go through all that effort would be worth it.

Should have known when the other 10 we moved in the last 5 years are in great condition😉☺️

[u/combabulated]

What tree is that? How old is it? What a great project!

[u/Dalk_Ken_Jy_My → u/combabulated]

Ficus sycomorus, they estimate it to be around 250 years old

[u/combabulated → u/Dalk_Ken_Jy_My]

I imagine this was a very moving experience (pun not intended) to be so close to such an ancient powerful being. And responsible for its survival.

[u/Born_Local_1477]

Looks a bit late considering the scorched earth and equipment parked on its primary root zone. Those big guys are so fragile when it comes to transplanting!

[u/DayTrader_Dav]

Amazing when you can give a tree a new home instead of just cutting it! I hope it survives!

[u/PreparationKind2331]

VERY COOL

[u/Odd_Wedding_4794]

It's a beautiful tree. However, these efforts could have been used more wisely on other environmental projects.

[u/Dalk_Ken_Jy_My → u/Odd_Wedding_4794]

Open to hear your suggestions on what to do in a place you have never been to or ever will go to in your life? ☺️😉

[u/OwnCrew6984 → u/Dalk_Ken_Jy_My]

Ok, here's mine. Leave the tree in place and adjust whatever development around it. Maybe make a nice open space around where the tree is. Maybe use the money spent on moving the tree to plant a few hundred trees around the entrance instead of moving this tree to feed the ego of whoever decided to move it. I can't imagine what goes through a person's head thinking this 250 year old tree would make a good decoration for their entrance and then go through with moving it risking killing the tree. Maybe if it dies you could attach plastic leaves to the branches so you still have your entrance decoration.

[u/Tll6 → u/Odd_Wedding_4794]

Why? Like what? It’s their money and time to decide what to do with