Moving an oak tree?

[Telemark]

I was cleaning up the area where I'm making an orchard, removing lots of birch and willows, and I found a nice oak tree. I would like to move it to a hunting terrain next February, but I'm not sure if it is worth the effort. Is it possible to do? Should I try to dig up a root ball, or can I transplant it bare-root? What are the odds it will survive?

 

[MRBB]

what size is the tree?? as I gather this will be a big part if possible and or if worth the efforts

 

[chummer]

Oaks have a very deep tap root. Unless it is under 4’ tall they are almost impossible to get out.

 

[ruskbucks]

I was cleaning up the area where I'm making an orchard, removing lots of birch and willows, and I found a nice oak tree. I would like to move it to a hunting terrain next February, but I'm not sure if it is worth the effort. Is it possible to do? Should I try to dig up a root ball, or can I transplant it bare-root? What are the odds it will survive?

I know a tree mover that has a couple of large spades on trucks. One day he was moving 8 - 10 ft white oaks to our jobsite. I told him I never seen him move oaks before, he said they don't have the best survival rate because of the roots. I know some of them made it so it can be done.

 

[OakSeeds]

If you got the money, time, and equipment you can move lots of trees. Here is a very inspirational story; they are really beautiful to see. Swamp White Oaks are my favorite tree; they are absolutely beautiful and tough as heck! A living tribute to many wonderful Americans who lost their lives during a horrible tragedy. The SWO trees were raised in Jersey and brought in on lowboys; I believe 2 at a time. Enjoy.

https://www.hortmag.com/gardens/9-11-memorial-trees

 

[Northbound]

Rule of thumb when using our tree spade is 10" of root ball diameter for every inch of trunk caliper. So a 36" spade theoretically is good for a 3.5" diameter tree. I moved 4 oaks from woods to yard for a neighbor 4 years ago. (Not sure what type of oak). The two larger ones , about 3"diameter at the time have now been outgrown by two that where just under 2" diameter. I've noticed smaller trees hardly skip a beat when being moved but larger ones get stunted a few years much like the sleep creep and leap thinking on bare root trees. He also watered the heck out of the oak trees as I had to cut taproot on the larger ones with a sheers before placing in the new locations. Compare to white pines which I've moved up to 6" diameter trees with that same 36" spade and survived without supplemental water as long as staked to prevent tipping over in wind (yes I lost a few that tipped over before learning)

 

[Telemark]

what size is the tree?? as I gather this will be a big part if possible and or if worth the efforts

I can take a picture tomorrow. I think about 7-8 feet, multiple trunks.

 

[Telemark]

I doubt the soil is deep enough to allow a long tap root. It will be interesting to find out. I don't have access to a spade, so I will have to dig it out by hand.

Should I maybe prune it heavily this year? Would that help?

 

[MRBB]

7-8 ft tall, but how thick a trunk
either way if its not that big I think its possible top be moved if willing to dig it out!
however if its not in the way where its at, maybe just leave it
you can always rake up acorns and then dump em on your hunting grounds and hope some make it into the soil and grow!

 

[buckdeer1]

I have moved some smaller ones and have had a guy move some big ones with a 8000 lb root ball.I think is what he said.It was big.If I was moving a 7-8 ft tree and no spade I would go to nursery and see what kind of deal you can work on a balled tree.I bought several of these a couple burs and a swamp.The nurseries sometimes have ones that may be crooked or something that makes them look different.I gave 60.00 each for 6-7 ft burs.The big oaks had tap roots almost as big as the trunk

 

[Telemark]

7-8 ft tall, but how thick a trunk
either way if its not that big I think its possible top be moved if willing to dig it out!
however if its not in the way where its at, maybe just leave it
you can always rake up acorns and then dump em on your hunting grounds and hope some make it into the soil and grow!

It is right in the middle of my orchard. It has to go. I just want to plant it somewhere that I could use it for hunting instead of firewood. I would just hunt it where it stands, but the location is already becoming an orchard. Oaks are somewhat rare an precious around here.

 

[Telemark]

I have moved some smaller ones and have had a guy move some big ones with a 8000 lb root ball.I think is what he said.It was big.If I was moving a 7-8 ft tree and no spade I would go to nursery and see what kind of deal you can work on a balled tree.I bought several of these a couple burs and a swamp.The nurseries sometimes have ones that may be crooked or something that makes them look different.I gave 60.00 each for 6-7 ft burs.The big oaks had tap roots almost as big as the trunk

Yeah, I can always buy oaks, but spending money is one thing I try to avoid if at all possible, and trees are expensive here. And the nurseries are far away and rarely deal with the public.

 

[Telemark]

Here are some photos. Thin trunks but several of them. Should I remove all but one?

 

[bwoods11]

It might be worth a try, but I have not had any luck moving oaks, unless they are really small.

 

[MRBB]

It is right in the middle of my orchard. It has to go. I just want to plant it somewhere that I could use it for hunting instead of firewood. I would just hunt it where it stands, but the location is already becoming an orchard. Oaks are somewhat rare an precious around here.

well then you got nothing to loose if you try to move it?
as long as you have the time and desire to do so

 

[Smokegobbler]

Here are some photos. Thin trunks but several of them. Should I remove all but one?

Was there a larger trunk cut back a few years ago? My experience is that multiple trunks is often a result of an earlier cut back. Once removed I would only leave one of the trunks. Take your time with the roots when digging.

 

[Telemark]

Was there a larger trunk cut back a few years ago? My experience is that multiple trunks is often a result of an earlier cut back. Once removed I would only leave one of the trunks. Take your time with the roots when digging.

Yes, someone cut it a few years ago. I will prune the extra trunks tomorrow.

 

[Telemark]

I guess I will give it a try next February. I think it's too late for this season.

 

[Tap]

Just curious if DCO also grow a deep tap root? several years ago I planted a few in areas (shade) that are less than ideal for them and they just aren't putting on much growth, let alone make acorns. The ones that I planted in full sun are doing fine but the ones in the other spots are mostly under 2 feet tall.
Should I try to transplant them or will it be a death sentence? And if I can transplant them, I assume (since it's now late April) I missed the best time frame and should wait until fall?