Tree relocation is one of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of sustainable landscaping. It allows property owners, developers, and environmental advocates to preserve mature trees that have taken decades to grow, trees that offer shade, oxygen, and beauty that can’t be replaced overnight. But moving a tree is far from simple.
Skipping the Site Assessment
One of the most common missteps in tree relocation happens before the process even begins, skipping the site assessment. A tree can only survive in its new location if that site provides the same or better growing conditions than before. Professionals begin by evaluating the soil’s composition, moisture retention, and drainage, since roots are sensitive to poor soil quality. They also study sunlight exposure, wind patterns, and available space, ensuring the tree has room to grow without interference from nearby buildings or underground utilities.
Without this step, the tree may struggle to adapt. For instance, relocating a sun-loving species into a shaded area can weaken its photosynthesis process, leading to poor growth and premature leaf drop. Similarly, planting in soil that drains too quickly or too slowly can suffocate roots or cause dehydration. A thorough assessment prevents these problems and gives the tree a fighting chance at long-term survival.Moving Trees at the Wrong Time of Year
Timing plays a crucial role in tree relocation. Just as plants have growing and resting seasons, trees have periods when they can best handle stress. Moving a tree while it’s actively producing new leaves or flowers puts tremendous strain on its root system. Professionals typically perform relocations during dormant seasons, late fall or early spring, when a tree’s energy is focused on root preservation rather than growth.
During dormancy, sap flow is minimal, leaves are absent, and the tree can better tolerate disruption. Attempting relocation during hot summer months or periods of drought is risky, as high temperatures and water loss can shock the tree and hinder its ability to recover. By aligning relocation with the natural rhythm of the tree’s life cycle, professionals reduce stress and boost the chances of successful adaptation.Cutting Too Many Roots
A tree’s root system is its foundation, drawing in water and nutrients while providing physical stability. Cutting too many roots, or slicing through them unevenly, can have devastating effects. Some people mistakenly believe that trimming roots will make relocation easier, but this approach often leaves the tree unable to sustain itself.
Professional arborists use hydraulic tree spades, such as the powerful Colorado tree spade, to dig around the root ball with surgical precision. These machines preserve as much of the root network as possible, maintaining a balanced shape that supports re-establishment. The less root damage that occurs, the quicker the tree can adapt to its new environment and resume healthy growth.Improper Root Ball Size
The root ball is the most critical part of the relocation process, it holds the tree’s life system together. If the root ball is too small for the size of the tree, it won’t contain enough roots to support hydration and nutrient absorption. Inadequate root balls lead to transplant shock, where a tree fails to adjust and slowly declines.
To ensure the right size and stability, professionals follow key guidelines:
- For every inch of trunk diameter, the root ball should measure roughly 12 inches in width.
- Large, mature trees may require root balls exceeding 10 feet in diameter and several feet deep.
- Specialized tools like the Colorado tree spade help form even, compact root balls that prevent root tearing and soil collapse.
Failing to Prepare the New Site in Advance
Many relocation failures occur because the new planting site isn’t ready in time. Once a tree is lifted from the ground, every second counts. The roots must be reburied quickly to avoid drying out or being exposed to direct sunlight and wind. Professionals always prepare the new hole before extraction begins, matching it precisely to the root ball’s dimensions.
A properly prepared site typically includes the following steps:
- Excavating a hole equal in width and depth to the original root ball.
- Loosening compacted soil to allow better water absorption and aeration.
- Blending in organic compost or loam to enrich the soil with nutrients.
- Checking drainage conditions to ensure that water won’t pool at the roots.
This preparation allows for a seamless transition. The tree can be placed immediately into its new home, minimizing stress and dehydration while creating an ideal foundation for growth and stability.
Poor Handling During Transport
Transporting a large tree is a logistical challenge that demands extreme care. Without proper stabilization, the root ball can shift or crack during movement, causing root breakage or structural imbalance. Professionals secure the root ball tightly using protective wraps, braces, and strapping systems that keep it stable throughout the journey.
Each turn, bump, and stop is carefully planned to minimize vibration. Even small jolts can damage delicate roots, especially when dealing with mature specimens weighing several tons. Professional relocation crews operate with precision, understanding that safe transport is just as important as proper digging and replanting.
Overwatering or Underwatering After Relocation
Watering is one of the most misunderstood aspects of post-relocation care. Some people drown the tree in an effort to “help” it, while others forget to water it frequently enough. Both extremes can be fatal. After relocation, the tree’s root system is still recovering, and its ability to absorb moisture is limited.
Professionals typically recommend deep, consistent watering, enough to reach the entire root ball but not so much that water stagnates. Using mulch around the base helps retain moisture and keeps the soil temperature stable. As weeks pass, watering frequency can gradually decrease as the roots begin to spread and anchor. Striking the right balance is key to avoiding both drought stress and root rot.
Neglecting Aftercare
Tree relocation doesn’t end once the tree is in the ground. In fact, the most critical stage comes afterward, the care period that determines whether the tree will survive long-term. Consistent monitoring and maintenance ensure that the tree recovers from the stress of being moved and successfully establishes new roots.
Proper aftercare typically includes:
- Regular watering: Keeping the soil moist but not oversaturated helps the roots adjust.
- Mulching: A 2–3 inch layer of mulch conserves moisture, regulates soil temperature, and prevents weed competition.
- Structural support: Installing stakes or guy wires stabilizes the trunk while the root system strengthens.
- Health monitoring: Checking for signs of stress such as leaf wilting, discoloration, or pest infestations helps identify issues early.
- Gradual acclimation: Avoid applying fertilizer during the first few months; allow the tree to focus on root recovery before stimulating growth.
Trees can take one to three years to fully reestablish themselves. Ignoring this stage or assuming the tree no longer needs care can undo all the hard work, time, and investment that went into the relocation process.
Ignoring Professional Guidance
Tree relocation is not a DIY task. It requires a combination of biological knowledge, technical skill, and specialized machinery. Attempting it without professional guidance often leads to mistakes that could easily have been avoided. Certified arborists bring expertise in tree physiology, soil science, and site assessment, ensuring each step, from preparation to aftercare, is done correctly.
By hiring professionals, you’re not just paying for labor; you’re investing in your tree’s future. Their training and precision dramatically increase the chances of success, turning what could be a risky endeavor into a sustainable act of preservation.
Conclusion
Tree relocation is both an art and a science, a delicate balance between human ingenuity and respect for nature’s processes. Each step, from site selection to aftercare, plays a crucial role in determining whether a tree will thrive in its new home. By understanding and avoiding these common mistakes, homeowners, landscapers, and developers can help ensure that mature trees continue to grow, provide shade, and support biodiversity for generations to come.
With the right planning, expert guidance, and reliable equipment like the Colorado tree spade, tree relocation becomes more than just a service, it becomes a commitment to sustainability and a testament to how humans and nature can coexist harmoniously.