Specimen Trees  •  Instant Screening  •  Large Tree Planting  •  Trees Bought and Sold
Backhoe, Bobcat, Light Excavation  •  Large Tree Transplanting

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
About Planting & Transplanting Trees

How Does the Trees Now Process Work?

• It is important that the tree is in good condition and healthy before considering a transplant. Several days and sometimes weeks prior to moving, we ensure that the tree receives a thorough watering. Often we use a product called BIOMIX to help retain fluids in the tree during the transplanting process and ensure a higher success rate. Just prior to the move, we arrive on site and tie the tree branches up with twine to prevent breakage during the move. We often discuss the front or “face” of the tree, mark it with a ribbon, so it will put its’ best face forward in the new location. The tree is now ready to be moved……….but we need to ready the new site first!...Click here to read the full article on How the Process Works or visit our Photo Gallery to see the process in action!

How much does it cost to transplant a tree?

• Many factors go into determining the cost associated with tree transplanting; size of tree to transplant, distance to transplant, site access, digging conditions, pre-dig site work necessary, post-dig site work necessary, total number of trees being moved, travel time to and from the job site, to name a few. TREES NOW is always happy to provide a quote, just call us with project details.

What time of the year can you plant/ replant a tree?

• The optimal time of year to transplant trees and shrubs is either in the spring or fall seasons, due to low moisture stress on plants during those times of year. However, trees can successfully be transplanting throughout the year, as long as mitigating factors are addressed. We have some more extensive discussion regarding this topic in the Articles and Links Section where we have pictures and some narrative regarding the process for large tree planting and transplanting

How much notice is needed to transplant a tree?

• Ideally, try to involve TREES NOW the planning or design stages of your project. We are happy to advise and make recommendations based on your project plans. We also provide other excavation services which when “bundled” with tree planting can save you time and money.
   

• We have many specimen trees at our tree farm, but may need some lead time to locate and acquire trees from one of our many resources.
   

• Early involvement in the plan/design stage may also avoid scheduling delays during busy times of the year. The absolute minimum notice, however is 4 (four) business days to insure pre-dig utility ( DIG SAFE ) notifications have been made, and all underground utility locations have been marked on the site(s).

Is trunk diameter the only factor in considering tree transplanting?

• We use trunk diameter to establish the corresponding tree spade that is most appropriate to transplant the tree, however, the overall size of the tree and the “canopy spread” will also be a determining factor in assessing the ability to transplant a tree. An evergreen tree whose canopy is very flexible lends itself well to the maneuvering of tree limbs to envelope the tree within the spade implement. On the other hand, a low branching species, like an Apple tree, whose limbs are fairly rigid, may prevent the tree from being transplanted successfully. By asking a few questions of specific circumstances, we can usually determine whether a tree can be transplanted successfully with just one visit to the site. We would encourage you to call and discuss your project needs.

Why is it recommended to stake a tree (guying) after transplanting?

• The installation of guy wire supports are generally recommended for newly planted or transplanted trees to help stabilize the tree until a sufficient anchoring root system is developed. The size of tree, size of corresponding root ball, exposure to wind, and soil conditions are all factors in determining whether a tree needs an anchor support system, the placement of such a system, and the total number of supports needed. Again we discuss this in depth in our Articles and Links section which describes the entire process.
  Click here to view the Guying a Tree Photo Gallery.

How long should we leave the guy wires up after transplanting?

• We recommend leaving a tree guyed for one year after installation/transplantation. Trees left guyed longer than that will start to develop a dependence on the structural support offered by the guy wires, and will not produce an anchoring root system. A concern also exists that left untended for more than a year, the wires around the trunk of a tree will begin to girdle, or grow into the tree trunk. We provide guying and “un-guying services. Feel free to discuss this with us.

How often should I water a recently transplanted tree?

• Site soil conditions, time of year and rainfall will dictate amount and frequency of watering. The goal is to keep the roots in the soil moist, but not too wet, as to let the roots also absorb oxygen. A good rule of thumb is to water the outer edge of the root ball with a garden hose until the berm starts to fill up the water retention capacity of the soil should dictate future watering frequency. An indicator that the tree needs be watered again is when the soil approx. 6- 8 inches below grade at the edge of the root ball begins to show signs of drying. We cover this VERY IMPORTANT topic in detail in the Articles & Links Section which describes the entire process.

Should we fertilize the tree(s) after they are transplanted?

• Wait to fertilize. Since the root system of a newly planted tree is limited, fertilization is often not recommended at the time of planting. Excessive fertilizer salts in the root zone can be damaging. If fertilizer is used at planting or in the first growing season, application of a slow controlled-release fertilizer is suggested. Fertilization in the fall when the roots are active can be beneficial. The area around the tree should be kept mulched with three to four inches of organic mulch. The mulch will help reduce competition from weeds and grasses, conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperature extremes. The mulch should not be placed against the stem of the tree as that can cause bark suffocation or crown rot. Black plastic should not be placed under the mulch since it restricts water movement and oxygen availability to the roots. 
   

• Before the next growing season use a 10-52-10 as per instructions. RX-30 is recommended for evergreens and RX-15 for leaf trees next season. Follow dosage and application instructions on the label. 
   

• After the first year we recommend that you fertilize trees on May 1 and July 1. Do not use "Weed n' Feed on areas near trees. Never place manure, lawn fertilizer, plastic mulch, or landscape fabric over the root ball. Do not mound soil over roots. 

What Guarantee do I have that a transplanted tree will survive?

• The health of the tree prior to transplanting will have a dramatic impact of the success of transplantation. THE post planting care and water management will play a key role in ensuring a successful transplant. TREES NOW has enjoyed excellent success in more than 22 years of tree transplanting. We stand behind our work and our trees.
   

• YOUR SATISFACTION……IS……OUR SATISFACTION!!!!!!!!!