Bare Root Transplanting

Bare-Root Transplanting  [click images to enlarge]
The 1st photo (black & white): Large specimen shade tree being bare root transplanted in the late 1800's with a Hick's tree mover. From this photo we have learned that bare root transplanting out dates conventional methods of ball and burlap. By employing this method we effectively uncover the mysteries of the root system, considered by Matt Foti to be a major advantage that ensures proper replanting depth and tree survival. This photo is reprinted with permission from the Special Collections Dept., Iowa State university for educational purposes.

Photos 2 and 3: 6" sugar maple, fall 2010.

Copper Beech   [click images to enlarge]
18" caliper copper beech preparing roots and loaded on trailer for transport.

Kousa Dogwood   [click images to enlarge]
1. Large specimen kousa dogwood in flower before transplanting, June 2010
2. Same tree during transplant late August 2010

Wellesley Transplant   [click images to enlarge]
A 40-45 foot tall, 12-13" trunk diameter London Plane tree was bare root transplanted in full leaf 3rd week of July 09'.

Fern Leaf Beech Transplant   [click images to enlarge]
From left to right:
1. Excavating soil with compressed air, 8" trunk diameter fern leaf beech.
2. Placing tree on hay bales on trailer for transport.
3. Beech in leaf at its new home.

Pagoda Dogwood Transplant   [click images to enlarge]
From left to right:
1. Pagoda dogwood (2-2.5" trunk diameter) late May, in leaf and flowering-before transplant.
2. Same tree bare root, ready for transport. Conventional methods would require a 20-24" root ball, removing 75% of the root mass.
3. The root mass is 8ft across.