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

2. 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.

3. Transplanting Trees & Palms in the Urban Landscape

4. 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

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

6. Methods of Transplanting
Ball-in Burlap
At least 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

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

8. 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

9. Transplanting Palms

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Planting palms - depth
Photos: UF Laura Sanagorski

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