AboutJim Hyland Expertise I am an expert in Forestry, Forest Entomology, Forest Pest Control, and Forest Health. Extensive knowledge in Identification of insects and diseases of trees. Expert on Bark beetles and other insects that attack forests. Also a Registrated Forester with extensive knowledge in the management and care of forests.
Experience 34 years as State Pest Management Chief in a Southern state. Extensive knowledge in Forestry.
BS with major in Forest Management and Entomology Registered Forester Certified Pesticide Appicator
Question I live in North Florida and have a mature bradford pear tree (about 10-12 years old) that needs to be move for construction purpose. Is is ok to move this time of year. I understand about extra watering but can it be done in the heat of the year?
Answer Not the best time to move these trees. You can dig the trees and transport them to another location BUT it will be quite expensive-what this entails is digging the tree up with a large root ball entact--the ball for a tree that size needs to be at least 3 feet from the trunk in a circle around the tree (LARGE). This will need to be wraped in burlap to protect the root system. then this and the tree will need to be put on a large truck (this will be heavy) covered to protect it from the wind then when you get to the new site a hole about TWICE the size of the root ball will be needed and the tree mulched and staked for support--not to mention the best time to do this is the late fall or early spring. I would recommend you buy new trees at your new location-they grow fast and the success rate for planting a smaller tree is high where for the trees you asked about the rate is low.
