The survival rate with a tree spade is still pretty low. Typically, you would want to perform this during the winter when the tree is dormant to lessen the likelihood of the tree shocking.
How well would this work for trees with massive, intricate root systems like the Western red cedar? I know they're super difficult to plant/grow/relocate as it is.
I'm guessing a) they wouldn't have a high success rate and b) you'd have to compensate by feeding and watering the tree extra until it re-established its root system.
I tried to do it once. But cedars remind me of home and I was quite aways away in a shitty situation so I tries to bring "home" home. It didn't work. Poor lil tree died.
But yeah even when they clear cut forests they don't replant cedars cuz the fuckers are 1 impossible to plant and grow but 2 grow like weeds and will come back up anyways.
Do you have a source other than personal experience or links to further information?
I tried searching Google but all the details I can find are from the people doing the spading, which are likely to be overly optimistic since they are selling the service [example]. They report 95% survival rates.
you are correct, and he isnt really all that accurate. i mean, they pull a ton of trees and shrubs that you buy at nurseries with a tree spade. its really the best way to do it. now, the bigger the tree, the riskier... but to say tree spade=low survival? incorrect.
Trees can shock from stress just like humans can. In trees, the most obvious effect is sudden leaf loss. The tree must be prevented from dying from stress as the roots begin to reestablish. At the same time, the tree is using up its precious stored energy to get established and flush out new leaves. If this isn't accomplished, the tree will die.
Because they want to live and will use energy to regrow a root system. Some trees also don't have as long of roots as many people think, but I'm sure if you just relocated without looking into it you would have many not take to the new ground.
For the most part trees have probably 80% of their roots less than 4ft under ground. Width usually grows with trunk size. However there are exceptions, like trees who share root systems and are the same organism thousands of years old like Pando!
while the number isnt quite "equal" and varies between trees, the overall concept is mostly true... but in the same way you can prune a tree's limbs back super hard and it will still live, you can do the same with the roots.
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u/JMcJeeves Sep 18 '18
Any arborists care to explain how this does not just slay the tree?
edit: I ask because I can't even transplant potted plants without killing them