[CANUFNET] How big a tree can be moved? (Without killing it that is)

[Jack Radecki]

I have moved lots of trees including Colorado Spruce with a 90 inch tree spade. On clay sites the roots are very shallow and spreading. The rule of thumb usually is one foot of soil for every inch diameter (caliper) 
Therefore up to 8 inch caliper but I have moved up to 11 inches as well but require much TLC. Ant transplanted tree must be watered regularly to ensure success anyways,

Jack Radecki
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: David Stevenson 
  To: canufnet at list.web.net 
  Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 8:37 AM
  Subject: [CANUFNET] How big a tree can be moved? (Without killing it that is)


  Hello All,

  I have been receiving conflicting information about the size of tree that can be successfully moved with a tree spade. I have heard anywhere from 18" dbh (from a contractor who wants to move the trees) to 5" dbh (from a developer who doesn't want to pay to move them). While there is no point in moving trees that are going to just give up the ghost, there must be some diameter above which the success rate drops off unacceptably. Just wondering if anyone has any experience in the matter.

  The trees in question are predominantly Colorado Blue Spruce planted ~20 years ago from nursery stock. They range in dbh from 7-11" and 5-7m in height.

  Does anyone have any information about the successful moving of large caliper trees or know of anyone or anywhere I can find this information? 

  Cheers,


  David Stevenson, MScF, RPF

  Consulting Forester,

  KBM Forestry Consultants Inc.

  807 345-5445 x239





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