Strengthening our Community Tree Canopy Through Education Module #8: Transplanting Trees & Palms in the Urban Landscape Laura Sanagorski, Environmental Horticulture Extension Faculty

Strengthening Our Community Tree Canopy 2012 Urban Forestry Series This series is a part of a project titled “Strengthening Our Community Tree Canopy Through Education”. This project is made possible by  a grant through the 2011 National Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Florida Forest Service.

Transplanting Trees & Palms in the Urban Landscape

Transplanting Trees “The size of trees that can be relocated is limited only by personal will and financial resources…” (Harris, Clark, & Matheny, 2004) Photo: UF Laura Sanagorski

Transplanting Trees “As a general rule, small plants transplant more successfully” (Harris, Clark, & Matheny, 2004) Photo: UF Laura Sanagorski

Methods of Transplanting Ball-in Burlap At least 10-12 times trunk diameter at 6” above soil Depth determined by root density Bare Root Ball Frozen Root Ball* Bare root* * Not in South Florida! Photo: Stephen Davis

Transplanting – Time of Year Year-round in South Florida Spring - move before top growth begins Photo: Joe Murray, Treebio.com, Bugwood.org

Transplanting - After Mature trees need to re-establish in new location – 3-4 months per 1” caliper - Very similar to planting young trees! Ensure first order root is 10% height of rootball above grade Provide adequate irrigation Photo: UF Laura Sanagorski

Transplanting Palms

Transplanting Palms Usually, root pruning isn’t necessary, except for valuable or difficult to transplant palms (4-6 weeks prior) Root ball should extend 8 inches beyond trunk for single palms less than 16 ft. tall Circling roots in palms – not a concern Dig moistened soil by hand or spade Keep root balls moist Photo: UF Laura Sanagorski

Transporting Palms Remove ½ - 2/3 of oldest fronds prior to moving to reduce surface area (water loss) Remaining fronds speed root regeneration All fronds can be removed from Sabal palms Photo: UF Laura Sanagorski

Transporting Palms Remaining leaves should be tied together to prevent damage Splints should be used for large trees with soft wood and heavy crown, or very slender palms Large palms should only be lifted with slings Photo: UF Laura Sanagorski

Planting palms - depth Photos: UF Laura Sanagorski

Strengthening our Community Tree Canopy Through Education Module #8: Transplanting Trees & Palms in the Urban Landscape Laura Sanagorski, Environmental Horticulture Extension Faculty