Transplanting trees - Giants

Transplanting Giant Trees: The Ultimate Challenge for Arborists

As a seasoned consulting arborist, I’ve had the privilege of working on numerous tree-related projects over the years. Tree transplanting is a complex and delicate process that requires careful planning, specialized equipment, and experienced personnel. Let’s explore the world of transplanting trees, including some incredible examples from around the world where people have succeeded or failed.

Transplanting a tree is the process of moving an established tree from one location to another. Transplanting can be done for a variety of reasons, such as preserving a tree that would otherwise be removed, accommodating new construction, or enhancing a landscape design. When it comes to giant trees, the process of transplanting becomes much more complicated.

Large trees can range in height from 30 to over 100 meters and have trunks that can exceed 5 meters in diameter. The weight of a mature giant tree can reach several hundred tons, making the task of transplanting them an enormous challenge.

The Transplanting Process

Transplanting a giant tree requires a lot of planning, preparation, and specialized equipment. The process can take several months to complete, and it typically involves the following steps:

Site Analysis: A thorough site analysis is conducted to determine whether the tree is suitable for transplantation. Factors such as soil conditions, climate, and available space are assessed to ensure that the tree will thrive in its new location.
Root Pruning: To prepare the tree for transplantation, the root system is pruned to reduce its size and to encourage the growth of new roots. This process can take up to a year and is done in stages to avoid damaging the tree.
Excavation: Once the root system has been pruned, excavation can begin. A large hole is dug around the tree, and the root system is exposed. The root ball is then wrapped in burlap or wire mesh to keep it intact during transportation.
Lifting and Transport: A crane is used to lift the tree out of the hole, and it is then loaded onto a specially designed transport vehicle. The tree is carefully secured to prevent any damage during transportation.
Replanting: Once the tree has arrived at its new location, it is carefully lowered into a prepared hole. The root ball is then covered with soil, and the tree is watered and mulched.

Successful and Unsuccessful Transplantations

Transplanting large, old trees is a risky and complicated process, and it doesn’t always result in success. Some of the most notable transplantations have been successful, while others have been unsuccessful. Here are a few examples:

Successful Transplantation: The Colossus of Goulandris

The Colossus of Goulandris, located on the island of Evia in Greece, is a giant plane tree that stands at over 14 meters tall and has a trunk that measures over 12 meters in circumference. In 2008, the tree was transplanted to a new location, and it was a resounding success. The tree now thrives in its new home, and it has become a major tourist attraction.

Unsuccessful Transplantation: The Pioneer Cabin Tree

The Pioneer Cabin Tree, located in California’s Calaveras Big Trees State Park, was a giant sequoia that was estimated to be over a thousand years old. In 2017, the tree was transplanted, but unfortunately, it died just a few months later. The transplantation was controversial, and many experts believed that the tree was too old and fragile to survive the process.

Successful Transplantation: The Tree That Moved a House

While the Pioneer Cabin Tree was an unfortunate example of an unsuccessful transplantation, there have been many successful cases of transplanting. One particularly impressive example occurred in 2000 in Everett, Washington, when a 100-foot-tall, 400,000-pound western red cedar tree was moved to make room for a new building. What made this transplant so remarkable was that the tree was moved along with the entire house that was built around it!

The project required careful planning and execution, with the house being raised 15 feet off the ground and placed on a track system. The tree was then dug up, wrapped in burlap, and placed on a custom-built trailer. The house and tree were then carefully moved together to a new location on the property, where the tree was replanted. The entire process took six weeks and cost around $200,000, but it was a success, and the tree continues to thrive to this day.

Transplanting a 500-Year-Old Oak Tree in England

Another successful transplantation involved a 500-year-old oak tree in England. The tree was set to be cut down to make way for a new road, but a local community group raised funds to have the tree moved instead. The project required the tree to be carefully dug up and placed on a specially designed trailer, which was then pulled by a truck to its new location.

The entire process took two days, and the tree was successfully replanted in a nearby park. The project was hailed as a success, and the tree is now a beloved local landmark.

Should These Trees be Transplanted?

In short, transplanting allows these trees to be saved from being cut down due to development projects or other reasons. Additionally, transplanting can help preserve important historical or cultural landmarks, as in the case of the 500-year-old oak tree in England.

Transplanting also allows trees to be moved to more suitable locations where they can thrive and provide benefits such as shade, wildlife habitat, and improved air quality. Trees can also help mitigate the effects of climate change by sequestering carbon and reducing the urban heat island effect.

Tips for Successful Tree Transplantation

While transplanting giant trees can be challenging, there are some tips and guidelines that can help ensure success. These include:

Select the Right Tree: Not all trees are suitable for transplantation. It’s important to choose a healthy tree with a strong root system and enough space for the root ball to be dug up.
Choose the Right Time: Trees should be transplanted during their dormant season, typically in late fall or early spring, when they are not actively growing.
Prepare the New Location: The new location should be prepared in advance, with suitable soil conditions and adequate space for the tree to grow.
Hire a Professional: Transplanting big trees is a complex process that should only be undertaken by experienced professionals with the right equipment and expertise.
Monitor and Care for the Tree: After transplantation, the tree will require careful monitoring and care to ensure it adapts to its new location and continues to thrive.

Interesting Facts

In 2013, a 750-tonne, 80-foot-tall giant sequoia was successfully transplanted in Boise, Idaho.
The largest tree ever transplanted was a 91-foot-tall, 28,000-pound silver maple tree, moved in 2004 in Ohio.
Transplanting trees is not a new practice – ancient Chinese texts describe the process being used as far back as 2000 BC.
Trees can be moved for a variety of reasons, including to make way for new construction, to preserve historical landmarks, or simply to give the tree a better chance at survival in a different location.
Another interesting fact is that some trees are actually easier to transplant than others. Species with fibrous root systems, such as birch and poplar, are typically easier to transplant than those with taproots, like oak and hickory. This is because fibrous roots are more adaptable and can adjust to changes in soil conditions more easily.

In addition to the technical challenges, there are also legal and ethical considerations to take into account. In many cases, transplanting a tree requires obtaining permits and approvals from local authorities, and there may be concerns about disturbing the ecosystem or affecting wildlife habitats.

Despite these challenges, the practice of transplanting continues to be an important tool for preserving and protecting our natural heritage. By successfully transplanting a tree, we can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy its beauty and benefits for years to come.

Links for Further Reading:

“Transplanting Trees and Shrubs.” The Morton Arboretum. https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-and-plant-advice/horticulture-care/transplanting-trees-and-shrubs.

“Transplanting Trees.” International Society of Arboriculture. https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/plantingatree/Transplanting_Trees.aspx.

“Transplanting a Giant Tree.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/jan/14/how-to-transplant-giant-tree.

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Transplanting trees – Giants