5 Hacks For Properly Transplanting Tree Roots

Are you experiencing one of those ‘oops!’ moments when you realize you’re transplanting trees in a way that probably isn’t good for them? Whether it is too close to the foundation of your house or maybe the tree is deteriorating due to location, you might need to move those tree roots. 

Of course, the trees root into the earth, but it is not impossible to remove them from the ground to relocate them. All it requires is a proper technique to transplant them so that you do not harm the tree and get your work done with ease. 

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If you are planning to transplant your favorite tree to a good location that is suitable for you and the tree, you are in the right place. Today, we bring you 5 simple hacks for properly transplanting tree roots without harming them

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Water The Tree Well

Before transplanting the tree roots, make sure you water them well. Water the surrounding soil thoroughly to help them keep moist. The moisture softens the soil making it easier to cut the ground and remove the tree. 

Hydrating the tree also makes it less prone to experience shock. Experts recommend doing this process 2-3 days before you uproot the plant. Similarly, it is also equally important to water the new planting area to add extra moisture to it.

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Dig Up The Root Ball

The root ball is the cluster of roots and soils at the base of the tree that you intend to transplant. Using a shovel, dig up the root ball and be careful that you do not harm any of its roots in the process. Before digging, you will also need to determine the correct size of the root ball. 

For obvious reasons, larger trees require a bigger root ball to ensure adequate re-growth, anchorage, and stability. A general rule to make things much easier is to measure the diameter of the tree trunk at the chest height. Then, multiply the number by 8 to 12 inches for each inch of the diameter. 

For example, if the trunk diameter is 2 inches, the exact calculation will be 2*8=16inches and 2*12=24inches. Therefore, dig up the root ball having a radius of 16-24 inches. 

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Wrap The Root Ball

To prevent the death of the plant, wrap the whole root ball with natural burlap that’s not treated. Wrapping the root balls and all of its soil with burlap adds an extra measure of precaution to protect them, to reduce wind damage and moisture loss. 

You should be careful to not use the artificial burlap because it will not rot and eventually will stop the growth of the roots. Root balls that are not properly wrapped can easily collapse during the transplanting process due to its weight. It must be tightly-wrapped.

Prepare A Proper Planting Hole

To transplant the tree, you have to make sure that the new area is favorable and has sufficient space for the tree to re-grow. You have to dig a hole that is about three times wider than the current root mass. A wider hole will give the plant a room to spread out the lateral roots. 

But never dig a hole deeper than the plant was growing in its previous environment. You are not required to dig a deep hole otherwise rotting of the root may occur. Planting too deep has often been the top reason for the tree roots rotting and ultimately causing the plant to die. 

Transfer The Tree Roots

The last step of transplanting the tree is to transfer the whole soil ball to the new area. Carry the tree by the root ball to its new location very carefully so that it will not collapse. You also have to ensure that the tree is healthy before removing it from the ground. 

Once the tree is moved to the new location, do not forget to keep it hydrated. Similarly, do not trim the branches until and unless they are damaged on their own, as doing so would increase the level of shock to the tree. 

The Bottom Line

After transplanting, you also have to ensure that the tree has a healthy environment to survive in. Remember to water the tree regularly to help it concentrate its energy on rebuilding its root system. Transplanting your tree is about planning but also about diligent post-care.