Overview

Replanting trees is a difficult project that is undertaken to prevent the loss of a tree due to building, roadway and other construction. A tree also may need to be replanted because it has outgrown its present site or because it should be relocated to a better site.

Types

Some trees with a high success rate are green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), river birch (Betula nigra), American elm (Ulmus americana), common honey-locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), silver maple (Acer saccharinum), cottonwood (Populus sp.), sumac (Rhus sp.) and willow (Salix sp.).

Considerations

Check the replanting site for light, moisture, soil and wind exposure appropriate for the tree being replanted. Make sure there will be enough room when the tree matures and reaches its full size.

Misconceptions

Replanting is stressful for the tree, so moving an unhealthy tree to a better site will most likely cause the tree to go into a decline and die.

Time Frame

The best time to move a deciduous tree is in the spring after the ground thaws and before the tree develops buds, or in the fall before the ground freezes and the leaves have fallen. Move evergreens in late summer or early fall.

Insight

Younger trees replant better than older trees, deciduous trees better than evergreens and shallow-rooted trees better than deep-rooted trees.