There are many different benefits of moving your trees. One of the benefits of transplanting or moving trees, is the “root pruning” that takes place. Trees that are moved with a tree spade, get lifted out of the ground and transported to their new location. In the process, the tree spade inserts steel blades (like big shovels) into the ground around the tree encircling it. At this time, the blades are cutting through any roots extending past the circle of the tree spade. This sounds harsh, but it’s not. Yes, the newly transplanted tree will need proper after care (mainly watering) to ensure a successful move, but root pruning causes the tree to produce more roots than it would have otherwise. This additional root growth will ultimately be a very good thing for the future strength and health of the tree. It will have more roots to hold up against wind storms, as well as the additional water and nutrient uptake.
A tree that is never moved or root pruned will only produce enough root structure that it needs to hold itself against the wind in its current location. Example, a tree growing in the middle of a woods has a very sparse root structure because it is completely sheltered from the wind by the trees surrounding it. On the other end of the spectrum, the tree growing out in the middle of a meadow or field standing by itself needs to produce a much larger root structure to support itself against the prevailing wind and storms. Have you ever wondered while looking at a farmer’s cornfield, why the outside two rows are shorter than the inner rest of the field? This is because those two rows are spending more time producing more root structure to support themselves from the wind. Whereas the inner rows are free to reach for the sky. My final example of the benefits of root pruning. Have you ever noticed the big beautiful mature trees growing in cemeteries? Think about how those trees roots are continuously being pruned each time another grave site is dug, and yet the trees are doing so well.
So, while your trees will need proper care and maintenance after they are moved, you will have healthier trees in the long run. Root pruning is very beneficial to the health of your trees, and is just one of the many benefits of tree moving.
I like that this article talks about how root pruning can create a structure that will help a tree support itself. It would probably help you prevent other problems as well, such as keeping it away from your septic or drainage system. When choosing a professional to cut your roots, you’d probably want to research the different options and find one that has experience trimming the types of trees you have planted so that they can figure out where it’s likely to go and prevent any problems.
Thanks for explaining how tree pruning can help the health of a tree. It would make sense to get it pruned in order to allow more light in as well. My husband and I are looking for a tree service, so we’ll have to consider how is qualified to do the job right.
I thought it was interesting how the article said that you will need proper care and maintenance once a tree is moved, but you will have healthier trees as a result. My father is moving to a new home and he wants to move his favorite elm tree with him. It would be good for him to seek a professional service that can help him with this request.