Anyone do transplantings on here? I am talking big!

[Jake Andrews]

I wondered if there was any chance of the trees, once all the soil around was removed, toppling with a bit of wind?

 

Also, how did you get under the tree to put in the ratchet straps?

 

Were the trees anchored in at their new location?

 

It was a worry and things were done and soil removed with extreme care. As it turns out there was no need to worry as the tree was in very sandy soil and the roots were a lot deeper than first thought for the bigger tree. When we were lifting, we had to get a silky on a pole underneath to cut the remaining big roots still holding on.

Regarding the ratchet straps iv been sworn to secrecy I'm afraid but I will say the ratchets don't right under the rootballs.

No the trees weren't anchored in the new planting site as more soil was being brought in and built up to the trees soil level.

[Jake Andrews]

I also think the rootballs look quite small.

 

With regards to the foliage present, I would think it better at this time as the tree can just shed any leaves that may be stressing it too much with regards to water loss. When leaves are absent, all the tree has to rely on with regards to energy is what is in storage (much of which would be in the root system and some in the removed roots). I have, however seen many transplants being done of smaller stuff such as bushes and plants with their foliage being trimmed prior to transplant. I do not have any experience to say one way or the other which is right however. It may just be a case of; no leaves= lighter, less messy tree to deal with, hence why it is(or perhaps was) done mainly in winter in the temperate climes. Maybe someone will enlighten us or maybe I need to open some books...

 

We worked on a tree by tree basis. All trees will suffer some kind of transplant shock but no one can tell by what severity. We NEVER pruned before so the tree can keep as much energy as possible, we then monitored and could act as and when needed. Pruning before hand seams quite counter productive to me. The fig has not gone backwards as of yet but it could be another 5 or years before we see any form of set back. The zoo has their own plant health plan in place and the tree will be well looked after before this event MAY occur.

[Island Lescure]

Thanks for the update!