Hess Landscape Architects

Moving Large Trees: Part Two

So what happens when you REALLY want to save a tree from being cut down, but the tree is fully mature?  As you’ll see from the images and videos on this post, almost nothing is “impossible,” so long as time and resources allow.

These two large Saucer Magnolia trees were scheduled to be cut down and removed due to the planned construction of a new home on this site.  We really felt they were worthwhile to save, and our client was in complete agreement.

Both trees were dug in early March with 21’ diameter “pancake” style root balls, then secured with burlap and nylon strapping.  Using thick steel plates as impromptu sleds, heavy chains, and a whole lot of horsepower, the trees were literally dragged from one location on the site to another.  The trees needed to be set at their final grade relative to the as yet un-built house, so heights of the root balls were constantly checked and fine-tuned.

As you can see from the photos of the trees in bloom, they are superb!

21’ diameter rootball - ready to be transported.

The path was pre-dug for the tree to be pulled along

The transporting of the tree.

Both trees in their final location and in bloom.

Under side of the Magnolia while in bloom.

The process of moving these mature Magnolias.

A special shout out to John Locke and the team at Perfection Tree Experts, as well as B.J. Drueding Builders LLC for their hard work getting this project accomplished.