Moving 20-Year-Old Upright Yews: Tree Spade Required

Transplanting 20-foot row of 20-year-old upright yews (Taxus) with a backhoe destroys roots — tree spade is the only viable method for this scale.

Why Backhoe Fails

• Shears roots rather than cutting cleanly.
• Cannot preserve root ball integrity.
• Soil shattering destroys root-soil contact.

Tree Spade Advantage

• Cuts clean, cylindrical root ball (44-90 inches diameter).
• Preserves root architecture and soil structure.
• Moves tree with minimal shock.

Cost-Benefit Reality

• Tree spade service: $500-1,500 per tree.
• 20 trees = significant investment.
• New nursery yews (6-8 feet): $150-300 each, full warranty.

Yew Resilience Note

Yews ARE tough and transplant better than most conifers — but 20-year specimens need professional equipment. If budget allows, tree spade works. If not, replace.

Don't waste money on backhoe destruction — it's not "saving" the plants.