[synner]

Bit of background. 3 years ago we planted 25 plus Pyramidal Oak trees for a client. I ordered 60 mm 12 footers and what I got were monsters at 25 feet. I ended up renting a Cat 906 loader to move/install the trees due to the fact they weigh some 3500 plus pounds.

Now we need to do additional work on the property and want to transplant some of the trees. Problem now is that the site has been completely landscaped.

I've attached a photo of a tree and the size of the root ball as well as the current site conditions.

Any thoughts on moving the trees without destroying the existing conditions would be great, otherwise the trees might see the chainsaw and find some new ones to move in.





One thought was a helicopter, not going to happen.

[Malrex]

Wow, that's tough. Helicopter was the first thing that came to mind until I scrolled down. .

Might have to use the ol chainsaw. Or maybe some sort of crane? Or if you dig out the rootball, maybe some sort of come-along to get it to an area so you can reach it with a loader? That might scuff up the landscape though. That looks like a tough problem, sorry Im not more help.

[site]

How about a lull?

[synner]

this may sound stupid but what is a "lull"?

[phototropic1]

"Lull" is a brand name of an all terrain fork lift with an extendable boom. Depending on which model, they can reach about 25 ft and lift upwards of 6000 lbs. Some people call them "Skytraks". Both are brand names, used like "Bobcat" is sometimes used as a generic term for a skid steer.

Tough call on the transplant. I'm all for transplanting whenever possible, but that looks pretty challenging. The challenge might be all the more reason to go for it. Just make sure you think it through ...to a conclusion, before you start.

[GLAN]

What's the urgency to move them?

[synner]

Drainage issues and problems with the pool plumbing are the cause for the transplant. I suggested a new pool, that didn't go over so well.

[dan deutekom]

Going by the pictures and how long they have been planted.

1: These trees have probably just really gotten established so I would hand dig and re-ball in place.

2: Judging by the pictures you planted your way out with the machine having access from between the houses. If this access hasn't been closed off just take them out in reverse order of planting or if you have access to the rear of the house build a ramp of soil up the rear wall to give the machine access to the tree, Clean up after, would'nt be to difficult

3: No Guarantee

4: You are probably already too late/too early for this year.
It would be best to hand dig and cut roots now and move in the fall

No matter how you shake it this is going to be labour intensive with a high risk factor. It probably be make more sense to use the chain saw.

[HardDaysKnight]

Originally posted by synner
Drainage issues and problems with the pool plumbing are the cause for the transplant. I suggested a new pool, that didn't go over so well.

I can't see a drainage issue. Is the plumbing for that pool being
impeded/strangled by the Oak's roots, Or do they just not like
the look anymore?

[synner]

The pool company ran the lines all over the place and the client wants them to be replaced and done properly thus we're going to move a few trees. On the other side of the property, not shown in the pic there is some drainage issues along the property line. Being a good neighbour my client is working with their neighbour to create a swale and address this problem thus we need to move a couple of trees.

[synner]

Dan no longer any access through the front or the back.

Any moving we do will be in the fall.

Definitely no guarantee.

I too am starting to think chainsaw.