How to Use a Tree Spade

Using a tree spade to remove an established tree from the ground saves you time and effort on an otherwise arduous manual task. In this respect, a tree spade widens the potential for re-siting larger trees that ordinarily you would not attempt to move. Although the invention of the tree spade comes from a commercial horticultural background, some machinery hire outlets provide tree spades for use in the residential market. Typically, the machine consists of up to six blades that push into the ground around the tree at an angle and lift the tree out.

Rake
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Water the ground surrounding the tree trunk between 24 and 48 hours prior to using a tree spade. Drench the ground with water to a distance of at least 24 inches to hold the soil together around the root ball once you use the tree spade.
- 2
  Dig a hole using a tree spade on the new relocation site. Position the open blades onto the ground by lowering the hydraulic blade arm using the associated lever in the cab, according to your model type. Close the blades by operating the blade levers in order to push the blades into the ground.
- 3
  Lift the closed blades up and out of the ground. Swivel the blade arm and release the soil by opening the blades so that you deposit the soil away from the hole. Relocate the tree spade to the tree that you want to dig up.
- 4
  Maneuver the tree spade so that the open blades are equidistant around the tree trunk. Orient the position of the blades to match the same position of the previously dug hole, to optimize the transplantation. Lower the blades to the ground.
- 5
  Close the blades according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, push each blade 3 inches into the ground and lift the blades by 1 inch before pushing a further 3 inches into the ground. Follow this push and lift process until the blades close together.
- 6
  Lift the blade arm until the closed blades are above the ground and relocate the tree spade to the new tree site. Scrape the sides and bottom of the new hole with a rake to loosen the compact soil. Shovel 2 inches of soil into the bottom of the hole to prevent the tree settling lower than its original depth.
- 7
  Maneuver the tree spade into position so that the closed blades go into the hole in the same direction as previously. Lower the blades into the bottom of the hole. Open the blades slowly to allow the root ball to settle in the hole without further damage to the roots.
- 8
  Lift the blades out of the hole and maneuver the tree spade away from the tree. Backfill the hole with soil to firmly bed the root ball into place. Drench the soil around the tree with water after transplantation and water at least once every two weeks during the tree's growth period.

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