Tree transplanting questions?

[Jbbies]

Ok my father has a bunch of wild cottonwoods growing in one of his corners. I have a section of my property that I would like to plant some trees for shade and such but have not because they are so expensive and its an area that will not be used much. I know cottonwoods are not the most highly sought after tree but do you think it would be possible to dig some up and drive them a few hours for transplanting? If so what would be all your best suggestions for doing this?

Thanks B

 

[Egon]

Do it before the leaves come out in the spring. Prune the trees back a bit. Keep new plantings watered. Get the largest root ball possible.

Some poplars that are suckered may not transplant well.

 

[MarkV]

The larger the tree the harder to transplant. What size are the ones you are looking at?

MarkV

 

[Jstpssng]

The larger the tree the harder to transplant. What size are the ones you are looking at?

MarkV

Cottonwoods grow fast though. Insteas of transplanting a large tree consider something a little smaller which will quickly fill the space.

 

[jinman]

I know cottonwoods are not the most highly sought after tree but do you think it would be possible to dig some up and drive them a few hours for transplanting? If so what would be all your best suggestions for doing this?

Thanks B

You know, around these parts, planting cottonwoods is a hangin' offense.
:laughing:

As MarkV says, get small ones and take care to do it in the fall or early spring. This is not tree planting season. Cottonwoods love deep soils and lots of moisture. I have them growing along a creek far away from my house and air conditioner where their cotton can clog up most anything. They like the same type of environment as willow trees. BTW: Only the female trees have cotton. The males only have pollen, but it might be hard to ID them when small. In general, cottonwoods that are big are also dangerous. They drop huge limbs unexpectedly and may have splitting trunks. I know of at least one city here in Texas that removed huge cottonwoods from the parks because they were afraid of having someone hurt by their self-pruning nature.

 

[Pilot]

In the winter or spring all you have to do is take cuttings from live limbs, before they leaf out and shove the sticks in the ground in a place where they can get water--damp soil, not wet. They will take root and grow. I only know of it working with cottonwoods and maybe poplars.

 

[Stick895]

I am from the East Coast but cottonwoods don't sound like great trees. Try these people, Buy Trees and Learn About Trees - Visit our Online Nursery I believe they will send you some trees for low cost and they are viable for your area. I have used them and the trees worked. If I'd done my part.

 

[RandyBell]

If you want to transplant the cottonwoods just dig up as big of rootbal you can handle and haul to where you want it. If it is in the bed of the truck cover it to keep the wind from beating it to death, but they are fairly tough and plentiful they pop up every where I had two pop up in a hanging basket this spring!

 

[Jbbies]

Thanks for all the info I was thinking about trying it in the fall but if its better in the spring than I will try that. As far as size goes Im looking at anything from 2' to 6', I will most likely leave the big ones in the ground. I am not looking at the trees for landscaping around my house but more for a draw thats some distance away.

thanks for the info

B