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Edited by Ali Lijee Edited by Ali LijeeWhenever you need to relocate a tree anywhere in the UK, it’s essential to ensure that it’s done properly to keep the tree healthy—and, more importantly, alive. Tree moving is a service offered by many tree surgeons in the UK, and it’s one that many of our member partners here at TreeMend provide.
Moving a tree from one location to another can be quite a laborious and complex operation, and it’s certainly a sensitive matter as the tree is subjected to a lot of stress during the process. To make sure the job is done right by skilled tree surgeons, leave the job to an experienced professional.
Table of contents
- What is tree relocation?
- Why is tree relocation needed?
- Types of tree relocation
- Regulatory consent for tree relocation
- Optimal seasons for tree relocation
- The tree relocation process
- Professional tree relocation vs DIY: how to decide
- How to get tree relocation services near you
- Tree relocation in the UK: frequently asked questions
- Get a tree relocation quote today
What is tree relocation?
Tree relocation is the process of moving a tree from one location to another. It’s often called tree moving, and it’s a service that many tree surgeons in the UK provide to private homeowners, owners or managers of agricultural land, woodlands, public parks, golf courses, and more.
Trees are much more than what we see from the ground level. While the trunk and crown make up a large portion of the tree, the root system underground can be quite extensive, often covering a span equal in length to the crown. This means that a tree cannot simply be uprooted from around the trunk. Instead, the bulb or rootball must be uprooted along with the tree. This process typically requires heavy machinery which many tree surgeons are trained to use.
Generally, tree relocation is something that can only be done for relatively young trees (around 5 years or younger), but moving mature trees can sometimes be done. It’s a rather drastic solution, but one that is almost always preferred over tree felling because it keeps the tree alive.
It’s important to note that all trees have a chance of dying or not taking well to environmental conditions after being replanted. Some species simply don’t like being replanted at all, some can tolerate relocation quite well, but all have a chance of illness or death during or after the relocation process. A qualified tree surgeon can offer advice on the best way to transplant a tree that has the greatest chance of successfully keeping the tree alive and healthy.
Why is tree relocation needed?
There are many reasons why one or more trees may need to be relocated from one place to another. Here are a few of the most common reasons:
- Development planning: land developers may need to relocate trees on existing land to create more space for plots of land, create clearance for roads or utility lines, or to ensure that trees are not too close to proposed structures.
- Landscaping: homeowners may want or need to landscape their gardens and this may require relocating a tree from one place to another on the same property.
- Tree planting: when buying new trees for a property, many property owners may prefer buying young trees that have already developed a little rather than planting a tree from scratch.
- Environmental protection: whether for protecting a vulnerable tree from its immediate surroundings or to enrich and diversify the flora around a particular woodland or conservation area, tree relocation can improve the health of the replanted tree itself and/or benefit the surrounding woodland or ecosystem.
Benefits of tree relocation
There are many benefits to tree relocation, including:
- Preservation of trees with significant amenity value: heritage trees and those with protection status often cannot be felled or worked on without adequate permissions, and tree relocation is often a great way to preserve these trees without interfering with them in their current location.
- Cheaper than buying new trees: transplanting trees may potentially cost much less than buying new trees, especially when done in large quantities.
- Saves time to grow trees: relocated trees will continue to grow, and there is no need to wait years for a new tree to grow.
- Preferred alternative to tree felling: tree felling is generally only warranted as a last resort, so tree relocation can be an excellent way to get rid of a tree or to plant it elsewhere without killing it.
Tree relocation is an ideal way to preserve the life of a tree while clearing up valuable space
Types of tree relocation
Tree relocation falls under two general categories, manual and mechanical. The difference between them is explained below:
Manual tree relocation
For small trees, saplings, or trees with a reasonably small stem and rootball system, manual digging and relocation may be possible. This can be done by the property owner or a landscape contractor without the need for heavy machinery so long as the tree is small enough to dig out with a spade.
Mechanical tree relocation
In most cases, the preferred method of tree relocation will be mechanical. Trees with stems measuring around 20cm in diameter up to around 90cm can typically be uprooted from the rootball with a hydraulic tree spade.
Mechanical removal via tree spade is the most common form of tree relocation and it’s been widely used across the UK since 1968. Either via lorry or tractor attachment, a hydraulic tree spade is placed around the stem and inserted into the ground, removing the bulk of the rootball and soil.
For large, mature trees with large rootballs up to around 4.5m in diameter, the Newman® Frame is often the preferred method because it is extremely cost-efficient and delivers outstanding quality in terms of rootball retention and survival rates.
The most common form of tree relocation is mechanical, specifically lorry- or tractor-mounted hydraulic tree spades
Regulatory consent for tree relocation
Whenever dealing with protected trees in the UK, such as Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or within Conservation Areas, consent dealings are often needed. Tree relocation is often one of the conditions that a local planning authority (e.g. local council or borough) may place on developers seeking permissions.
Developers may need to relocate trees in order to clear out proposed development land and to ensure that protected trees remain alive, or there may be a desire to relocate trees on an existing property such as a golf course or large plot of land with woodland. If the tree is protected, it is prohibited to fell or in many cases manage the tree (e.g. tree pruning) without consent from the local planning authority, so it is always important to work with a qualified arboricultural professional when dealing with consent and permissions.
Arborists can assist with all necessary notifications and requests for consent to work on protected trees. Tree surgeons can assist with tree relocation and abide by all planning permission conditions by ensuring the safe uprooting, hauling, and replanting of protected trees.
Optimal seasons for tree relocation
A tree can be relocated at any time of the year, but there are optimal seasons depending on the type of tree that can best ensure its survival and ability to overcome the shock of being replanted.
Generally, the best time of year to replant a tree is, by type of tree:
- Deciduous: the dormant season from late autumn to early spring is best (around November to March). The tree will have shed its leaves for the year, which makes transporting the crown part lighter and easier, whilst the roots will be in new ground just in time for the coming growth season in spring.
- Evergreen: conifers and evergreens are best replanted from early spring to late summer. Since they’re continuously growing, they’re often a little more flexible in terms of best season to replant.
Moreover, there are some trees which require much more care when replanting depending on their age. Young trees tend to have far higher survival rates when replanted than mature, veteran trees, regardless of season. Naturally, survival rates tend to be higher when replanted during optimal seasons.
In terms of shock, replanted trees tend to do best when the soil is adequate and prepared ahead of time. Frozen, excessively aerated, or waterlogged soil will all cause tremendous shock to the tree and it will likely suffer or die. Likewise, trees that are already sick (e.g. from pests and diseases) will have a much harder time adapting to new soil.
The day on which the tree will be moved can also be fairly important. It’s better if the weather is mild so that the roots don’t dry up too much.
The tree relocation process
How are trees moved from one location to another? It all depends on factors like the tree’s size, the size of the rootball, age, location, how accessible the site may be, soil conditions, and how far it needs to be hauled.
We will assume that the method of tree uprooting and relocation is mechanical, specifically a hydraulic tree spade, as this is the most common method in the UK. Below is an outline of the general process of tree relocation:
Site preparation and planning
The first step is to prepare the tree for relocation. Well in advance of relocation, root pruning may be required half a year to one full year ahead of time. Crown reduction and general pruning may be necessary beforehand also to reduce the weight of the tree.
Furthermore, a tree assessment is necessary to ensure that the tree is healthy enough to be uprooted and replanted. This can also help determine whether or not the tree is protected via TPO or otherwise, allowing the arborist to request consent to relocate the tree.
The tree should also be well-watered before the move, since relocation will dry out the soil. This can be done a day or two before uprooting the tree.
The site where the tree will be replanted must also be prepared ahead of time. Measure the diameter of the trunk and estimate the spread of the rootball system with a 12:1 ratio. For every inch, foot, or centimetre of trunk diameter, assume that the rootball is about 12 times wider.
For example, if the tree trunk is 10cm in diameter, the rootball will probably be around 120cm in diameter. This means that the trench used for uprooting the tree’s rootball will probably be around 60cm away (the radius) from the trunk in either direction, more or less.
Using this estimate, the site for replanting should ideally be square in shape and all sides should be about twice as long as the rootball diameter and about a foot longer (just in case) and around a foot deep (deeper if it’s a big rootball). Rake the bottom and sides and add a little nutrient-rich compost if desired. Water the soil before the move.
Uprooting the tree
A critical stage of tree relocation is the uprooting of the entire tree and its rootball. Tree surgeons using a hydraulic tree spade will carefully back the lorry/tractor to the tree’s location, often using specialised tyres and/or planks to minimise disruption to the garden and the tree’s root system.
The tree spade will then be placed around the trunk and inserted into the ground, plucking out the rootball and its soil. During this stage, as much as three-quarters or more of the tree’s roots will be left in the ground, which naturally causes tremendous shock to the tree.
Some additional pruning may be needed around the rootball, but it should be kept as intact as possible whilst also being safe to transport. The rootball alone of some trees can weigh 5 tonnes or more.
Hauling the tree to the new location
Using either a lorry, tractor, or even a skid steer (for small trees), the tree is hauled to its new location. Relocating trees on the same property might be easy, but transporting a tree over roads and motorways could be much more challenging and end up costing more.
This phase of the process should be done as quickly and efficiently as possible without sacrificing safety. The tree is most vulnerable in transport and the rootball will gradually consume much of the moisture, so it is essential to not let it dry up and to replant it as quickly as possible.
Replanting the tree
Once the tree has arrived at the site for replanting and assuming the site has already been prepared, the tree can be replanted. The correct depth should always be the same as it was in its previous location, which can be seen from markings on the trunk. Try to replant as close to this level as possible and excavate more or fill in soil as necessary to get to that depth.
When the tree is at the correct depth, backfill the soil and compact it enough so that there are no excessive air pockets. Optionally, backfill up to a couple of inches lower and leave the space free for mulching.
Mulching is great for feeding nutrients to the tree in its first vulnerable growing season and can help it overcome shock. Do not overapply mulch and avoid mulching around 1ft directly around the tree trunk. Mulch ‘volcanoes’ can suffocate the tree and lead to rot and disease.
Once the tree has been replanted, it may be necessary to stake the tree in place for additional support. Since the roots need more time to grow, the tree may be unbalanced at first so additional support can help it remain in place as it regrows and becomes more stable over time.
Aftercare for relocated trees
No matter how good of a job a tree surgeon does at relocating a tree, it will always experience shock when replanted in fresh new ground. There is an enormous loss of extended roots and the tree may have difficulty adapting to different soil conditions, and during this time the tree could become ill or die.
To minimise the chances of the tree suffering, pay extra attention to caring for the tree for at least the first couple of years after it’s been replanted. Water it thoroughly so that the roots can grow out and downwards, inspect the leaves to see if they’re wilting or if there’s dieback, and consult a qualified arborist near you if you suspect the tree is diseased or needs professional care.
Note on large/mature trees
Generally, tree relocation should be kept for trees that are around 5 years old or younger. Large, veteran trees that are well-established are at much greater risk of dying from shock when replanted, so it is a solution that is rather extreme and should only be done if absolutely necessary.
Moving large trees poses numerous challenges for tree surgeons, since tree spades may not be sufficiently large to uproot their enormous and heavy rootballs. In these cases, specialised cranes or Newman Frames may be necessary.
Moreover, logistics can be complex since sections of motorways may need to have special transport accommodations made if the tree is extra large.
Professional tree relocation vs DIY: how to decide
Tree relocation is the type of job that is only really feasible to do yourself if the tree is a very young sapling that you can dig out by hand and replant without the need for heavy machinery. This might be all right for some trees, but most trees that have become established and boast wide rootball systems will need to be done by a professional tree surgeon.
Tree surgeons and arborists in the UK can relocate trees much faster and more efficiently by using specialised machinery like tree spades. It’s much more cost-efficient and time-saving than digging up trees manually and is the natural choice for moving most trees individually and particularly in groups.
With few exceptions, tree relocation is a service best left to professional tree surgeons and arborists
How to get tree relocation services near you
Uprooting and relocating one or more trees is no small feat, and it’s a job best left to a qualified tree surgeon near you. TreeMend has partnered with experienced local tree surgeons and arborists across the UK who can provide tree relocation services at fair and reasonable prices, all while ensuring the job is done correctly.
Get no-obligation quotes for tree relocation with TreeMend
Tree relocation in the UK: frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move a tree in the UK?
The cost of tree moving in the UK can vary significantly from around £500 to over £3,000, depending on the tree’s age, size, species, accessibility, distance, complexity, and the amount of labour involved. Generally, small trees are more affordable to relocate than large, mature trees.
What is the largest size tree that can be transplanted?
The largest trees that can be transplanted using a tree spade are around 100cm in trunk diameter. Even with that being the case in terms of the tree spade, it doesn’t mean there will always be success when transplanting. Trees that are taller than 6ft in height or that are more than five years old have a much lower chance of success than small saplings and young trees. With a crane or a Newman Frame, very large and mature trees can be relocated.
Can a tree surgeon move a tree?
Yes. Tree surgeons in the UK often provide tree moving services. Tree relocation is a service that many qualified tree surgeons provide and most will use a lorry- or tractor-mounted hydraulic piece of machinery known as a tree spade to uproot and haul the tree to the desired location.
Can mature trees be moved?
Yes, mature trees can be moved although it is generally not recommended unless absolutely necessary. Mature trees are already well-established and have a much lower chance of survival when transplanted, as well as being far more complex to uproot and haul.
What trees are best for transplanting?
Some tree species are much more tolerant to transplanting than others, particularly deciduous trees like poplar and ash. In addition to the species, one must also consider the soil conditions of the proposed replanting site and ensure the tree is well nourished to survive the shock of being transplanted.
What's the best time of the year to transplant a tree?
The best time of year to transplant a tree is between November and early March for deciduous trees, and between spring and late summer for evergreen trees. Although trees can be transplanted any time of the year, they tend to have much higher survival rates when transplanted in the right season.
Which tree is the fastest to grow?
Some of the fastest-growing trees in the UK include silver birch, poplar, and common beech. Many of these species can grow from around 40-60cm per year and can continue growing rather quickly after being replanted and managed properly.
Do plants go into shock after transplanting?
Yes, plants go into shock after transplanting. Whenever a plant such as a tree is transplanted, it undergoes stress and may have difficulty adapting to its new environment such as the soil, light, wind exposure, and so on. Moreover, the root system needs to redevelop after transplanting. This shock can cause the tree’s foliage to wilt or drop early, stunt growth, or in some cases kill the tree if not properly cared for.
How long does it take for a tree to recover from transplant shock?
It typically takes one to two years for most trees to recover from transplant shock and to become self-sufficient and accustomed to their new environment. Some trees might take longer to recover, so it may be wise to have the tree surveyed and inspected if there are concerns about its ability to thrive in the new environment.
What are the disadvantages of transplanting?
Transplanting a tree can have some disadvantages, such as stunted growth, putting it at risk of disease or even killing it. All trees undergo some degree of shock when transplanted, but with proper care and management of the newly planted tree, the chances of these problems occurring can be minimised.
Get a tree relocation quote today
If you need to relocate one or more trees, whether they’re on your property or to a completely different site, TreeMend is here to help. We partner with experienced tree surgeons and arborists across the UK—specialists in tree moving and relocation. Request a no-obligation quote today and receive the best prices for professional tree care services in your area.