Tree Spade Transplanting
Tree spade transplanting
Got a good tree in the wrong spot? Or want a sizable tree without waiting years for a small one to grow? Our tree spade moves a tree in one piece, root ball and all, and it’s small enough to get where the big truck spades can’t.
A spade that fits your yard
Most tree spades ride on a truck. Ours is a Bobcat TS36M on a Bobcat skid steer, a compact machine that fits through tighter access and works close to houses, fences and patios. It digs a cone-shaped root ball up to 36 inches across.
What size tree can we move?
With a 36-inch root ball, that means trees up to about 3.5–4 inches thick, measured 6 inches above the ground: a young shade tree, a flowering tree, or a nicely sized evergreen. For bigger trees, we have access to a larger spade.
Two kinds of moves
- On your property. Out of the way of a new garage or addition, off a crowded foundation, or to a spot where it can finally spread out. Most same-property moves are done in a single day.
- To another property. We dig a tree from the tree farm and bring it to you, or move a tree you already own to a new property.
How move day works
- Utilities marked. We place the Virginia 811 call so public underground lines are marked before we dig. 811 doesn’t mark private lines like septic fields, irrigation or invisible pet fences, so point those out to us.
- New hole first. We dig the new planting hole with the spade, so your tree drops into a matching cone.
- Lift, carry, set. We spade the tree, carry it to the new hole, set it with the root flare at ground level, and fill any gaps.
- Water and mulch. We water it in, mulch it, and give you a simple watering plan.
When to move a tree
Most species move best during the dormant season: from late fall, after the leaves drop, until early spring, before buds swell.
Questions we get
How much does a move cost? It depends on the distance, the access, and how many trees we move in one trip. Text a photo of the tree and the spot you have in mind to (540) 914-2157, and we’ll quote it.
Will a moved tree make it? A moved tree leaves roots behind, so water over the first year or two is what makes it. Our aftercare page has the full schedule.
What if my tree is too big for your spade? We have access to a larger spade for bigger trees. Send us a photo and we’ll tell you which one it needs.