We have been fortunate to have overseen quite a few large tree relocations over the years. Moving large trees is a difficult and involved process. It involves months of planning and preparation and skilled workers who understand tree biology. Successful large tree relocation is directly tied to maintaining adequate moisture levels throughout the process while preserving a very large root mass.
Success with large tree relocation, or small tree relocation for that matter, is directly tied to management of a tree’s root mass. The more roots that are preserved, the less shock the tree will sustain and the better it will establish into its new surroundings. Calculating the necessary root mass for a successful relocation takes into account: tree species, size, health, and seasonality. Roots must be cut in sections, months in advanced, to allow for the critical “hardening off” of the outer root mass.