Transplanting trees

[Kevin37]

We are in the process of cleaning, recovering from unattended overgrowth, and landscaping what will eventually be our home and small farm. Scattered around the property are hundreds of small, three to seven foot trees, that I would like to move around my property to better landscape.

I know there is an implement that attaches to the back of a tractor that is shaped like a cone and separates into four spikes that will "scoop" the trees rootball and all to be transplanted. What is the name of this tool? I am sure they are expensive, but could there be different sizes (prices)? I don't need a very big one due to the size trees I want to move.

I fantasize about backing up to a tree, popping it out of one location then driving it to and replanting it in a new location. That sure would beat moving a few hundred trees by hand!

Fire away.......

Kevin

 

[johan3400]

You are talking about a tree spade. The ones for the back of tractors are not too great. You need down pressure to help digging. I know of several companies which produce them. Consider renting a 44 inch pull behind spade. I think you would have better success with one of those.

 

[unreconstructed]

I have a client who is a pecan grower. Looked on his depreciation schedule and the description reads "tree transplanter". I don't think that is the correct term. Anyway, the cost was 89,400. That piece of equipment is for much bigger trees than what you are wanting to move. Anyhow, someone on TBN will know.

Good luck.

gbates.

 

[hunterridgefarm]

Kevin,
I have alot of large wholesale tree farmers in my area. And johan3400 is correct it is called a "tree spade".

Looking at your profile I see you have a JD 48 Backhoe, that is the perfect tree digger for three to seven foot trees. Dig the hole first then go dig the tree and set it in that way you don't lose as much dirt off the rootball.

The tree spade would be good for larger trees and for trees you needed to burlap.

 

[Kevin37]

That's why I love this site!

I didn't even know the name of the tool to do a thread search, so I posted my question at 0743 and only seven minutes later I had my answer.

Thanks Guys /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

On the backhoe idea.......

It seems to me the ideal way to use the backhoe would be to reverse the bucket so that it curls AWAY from the tractor (and underneath a tree) instead of towards the tractor.

I see threads about a front mounted tree scoop, and if it were possible to reverse the backhoe bucket it could work the same way.

Wishful thinking, or is it a possibility? My expertise is certainly not in altering tractors or implements!!

Kevin

 

[meledward23]

In fact most spades stop at 90" some are 108" diameter spades. I believe the Worlds largest aspade is this one : http://www.instantshade.com/portfolio.asp?photoID=3233

This spade right here is the best one on the market. At least from an installers point of view, and some as a matter of opinion from some of the Top Growers in the Eastern United States.:
http://www.optimaltreespades.com/

Finally when it comes to a backhoe and transplanting. It is a tried and true method. Several of the large tree growers 12-20" Caliper move trees with a track hoe digging the ball, hand tying the ball and then of course craning it (at the sizes we are talking about). They use spades for speed and reduced costs over time.

But you are best off just digging with a back hoe and wrapping the ball yourself. Of course dirt weighs alot so it can then be a challenge to remove the ball. Which is why after you backhoe the rootball you can shave the sides up under the ball to reduce the dirt load. The spade angles under the tree. Difficult Trick with a BH. just use a long shovel to shave the ball.

Oh and as far as moving a tree. The worlds largest tree to be transplanted (as of about 10 years ago) was massive. They dug it with a Trackhoe. Tied it and strapped it. Dug a trench 300 yards long. Waited for freezing temperatures, filled the trench with water, it froze. They then hooked dozers to the tree and dragged it down the giant ice rink trough to it's new location.

 

[meledward23]

Okay sorry I went overboard, you want to move small trees.

I would just back how around them (probably about 14" out for every inch diameter (recomended is 8-10" Min. per inch). Since the backhoe is a rough tool compared to a spade I would use a bigger margin. Dig the four sides and the earth should be loosened.

At that point for a small ball that is being replanted the same day, you should be able to just scoop witha loader or forks and carry it off. Go slow so you dont bounce the thing to death. First thing we have to teach are skid operators when handling trees is to slow down. You may be able to move it that fast, but doesnt mean you should.

Good Luck

 

[Kevin37]

I guess the hoe is the best way so far.
Is there a possibility of pinching or damaging the tree in the fold of the backhoe arms? Am I being naive to think I could scoop the tree into the bucket, leave it there, and transport it to the new spot? Or is it best to dig it with the hoe then scoop it in the FEL for transport?

Sorry for the many questions but I want an idea of what I'm doing before I start digging to reduce the damage and death to the trees!

 

[timb]

There are also 'sugar scoop' style attachments for skid-steer buckets - if you can approach the tree from several sides and pierce the ground several times before 'popping' the root ball loose one of those might be pretty cost-effective for smaller trees - plus ought to be fast working with not as much landscape damage as the bh for smaller trees. Most of the hitch or fel mounted tree-spade units I've looked at (in a size your tractor and mine can handle) seem to run about $2K-$4k and can in theory handle a tree up to about 3" diameter.

I'm still looking for a cost effective solution - the acres around the house are pretty bare (prior owners being pretty big on cutting down trees) but I've got 10 acres of woods on the other end of the property to 'mine' and a nearby xmas tree farm (where I might be able to get specimens that have gotten too large for xmas trees relatively cheap) if I can find a cost/time-effective transplanting solution.

Around here most nurserys selling several-year-old specimens 8-10 feet tall or so often want $500 each. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[meledward23]

Dig it with the hoe and scoop with your bucket... that is your best bet...

If it is too big for your bucket and you dont have forks then do the following...

Get some cloth or a tarp,

A couppl of 2x6 boards (depending on ball size)

and chain or rope,,,

Wrap the tarp around the ball (helps stabilize the dirt some)
put the bucket up and under the tree as best you can...'
Take the boards and run them vertically across the back side (the point is to keep the chain from digging into the root ball by dispersing the pressure via the board in a vertical colum against the rootball).
Wrap the chain from the bucket around the ball over the 2xBoards and back to the bucket. Tight but not smashing the worms out of the dirt tight.

Curl bucket and cruise very slowly to new location...