TREE RELOCATION
In order to achieve the goals for a new development, a renovation project or a large public works improvement project, existing trees may be impacted. In some cases the decision is made to conserve mature trees through relocation instead of removal and replacement. I have worked extensively with design teams to prioritize the conservation of significant trees and to guide them through the tree relocation process.
Several factors are considered when attempting to relocate a tree:
- The appraised value of the tree in relation to the cost of its relocation.
- The ultimate mature size of the tree.
- Chances of survival after it has been relocated.
- The amount of root mass that needs to be preserved for the relocation.
- How the tree is to be maneuvered out of its existing site.
- How the tree is to be transported to its new site.
- How the tree can be maneuvered into the site once it arrives at its new site.
- Location of all existing underground and overhead utilities at both sites.
- Overhead obstacles that are encountered along the path of travel to the new site.
- Long term and short term maintenance and irrigation requirements of the tree
- Public concerns
The following photos are of a large floss silk tree (Ceiba speciosa) that I had relocated for a private developer in southern California:
The original location.
The rootball was contained and prepared for relocation in a few months.
Ready to move.
Moving day!
New location.