Relocate and Transplant an Oak Tree

Transplanting an oak tree is no easy task. Keep in mind that the best time to transplant an oak tree is in the winter when the tree is dormant. Transplants are most successful with trees that are only two or three years old. Use the following guide to make your oak tree transplant a little easier.

Step 1 – Pick a Tree

Make sure the tree you choose is healthy and shows no signs of damage.

Step 2 – Prepare the Transplant Site

Time is of the essence when it comes to transplanting an oak tree. Have the transplant site ready to go before you start digging. When you are ready to dig, make sure your hole is large enough to fit the tree's root ball.

Step 3 – Work the Soil

Break up the soil from the hole, then add compost and garden sand to improve its quality and drainage.

Step 4 – Dig up the Tree

Dig a trench around the tree about two feet deep. Slowly extend the trench towards the tree until you see evidence of roots. If the tree is very young, the roots may not have traveled very far. You should be able to estimate the depth of the tap root based on the tree's age. Be careful, it is important not to break the tap root while digging out the tree. Take the trench to the necessary depth, then start digging towards the tree.

Step 5 –Wrap the Tree

Lift the tree out of the trench. Try to capture as much of the root ball as possible and wrap it in light hessian sacking. Transport the tree to its new position as soon as possible.

Step 6 – Plant the Tree

Place the tree into the hole you have prepared. Make sure that the root ball is slightly below soil level. If necessary, build a platform of soil under the tree. Fill in the rest of the hole with the soil that you have worked. Tamp it down firmly yet carefully around the root ball. You can actually leave the hessian on the rootball. The hessian can be left on the root ball. The hessian will encourage root growth by keeping the root ball moist, then slowly decay.

Step 7 – Water the Tree

Water the tree and soil carefully, but remember that the tree is dormant and will not be absorb much.

Step 8 – Prop the Tree

There will be no growth in the tree or the root system until the spring, so the tree will have to be supported in case of high winds. Protect the trunk of the tree with foam pads and use a tripod system to hold the tree securely.

Step 9 – Protect Against Gnawing Animals

Wrap the trunk of the tree to protect it against vermin and other gnawing animals.

Unfortunately, you won't know whether or not the transplant was successful until the spring. Keep checking on the tree to ensure that the props are still holding it properly and that nothing is causing it any damage.