Yes, it is entirely possible to buy and transplant a mature tree, offering an immediate, established look to a landscape. In the commercial world, a “mature tree” generally refers to a specimen large enough to provide instant aesthetic impact, often with a trunk diameter of several inches or more. This process moves beyond standard gardening into specialized horticulture and requires careful planning and the use of professional equipment. Buying a large tree is a way to skip years of growth, but it is a complex undertaking with specific technical and financial considerations that must be addressed for success.
Where to Source and Select Mature Trees
The primary sources for purchasing these sizable specimens are specialized tree farms and large wholesale nurseries. These facilities are designed to grow, maintain, and prepare trees for transplanting, often using techniques that encourage a dense, manageable root ball. For unique or enormous trees, you may need to work directly with dedicated tree relocation services that source and move trees from existing landscapes or development sites.
Selecting the right tree involves more than just choosing a pleasing shape or size. You must evaluate the species’ hardiness for the new location’s climate, soil type, and sun exposure to ensure its long-term survival. The tree’s overall health is also a factor, requiring careful inspection for any signs of disease, pests, or structural defects. Species with deep taproots, such as certain oaks and pines, are much more difficult to move successfully than those with shallower, more fibrous root systems.
The best candidates for relocation are those that have been root-pruned in the nursery, which encourages a compact root system capable of surviving the move. A key indicator of a transplantable tree is its existing root structure, often sold as Balled and Burlapped (B&B) or in large containers. Consulting with an arborist or nursery expert can guide you toward trees with the highest likelihood of successful establishment in your specific environment.
Moving and Planting Large Specimens
Moving a mature tree requires specialized logistics to minimize damage to the root system, which absorbs water and nutrients. The two primary methods used depend heavily on the tree’s size and access to the site. Smaller mature trees are often moved using the Balled and Burlapped (B&B) method, where the root mass is mechanically dug, wrapped tightly in burlap and a wire basket, and then transported.
For truly large trees, mechanical tree spades are employed. These are truck-mounted or tractor-pulled machines with large, hydraulic blades that cut a cone-shaped root ball from the ground. The critical factor for the tree’s survival is the size of this root ball relative to the trunk diameter, or caliper. A common guideline suggests a root ball diameter of ten to twelve inches for every one inch of trunk diameter, measured six inches above the ground.
Once the tree arrives at the new site, professional installation is necessary. The receiving hole must be dug wide—two to three times the diameter of the root ball—but only as deep as the root ball itself, ensuring the tree is not planted too deep. Planting the tree slightly higher than the surrounding grade helps prevent water pooling around the trunk and encourages new root growth into the native soil. The process must be completed quickly to prevent the root ball from drying out, which can fatally damage the feeder roots.
Financial Commitment and Post-Transplant Care
The financial commitment for a mature tree transplant is substantial and increases with the tree’s size. The cost covers the specimen itself, specialized labor, transportation, and the rental of heavy equipment like tree spades or cranes. While a small ornamental tree might cost a few hundred dollars to move, a large specimen can cost several thousand dollars, sometimes reaching five figures. This is especially true if access is difficult or long-distance transport is involved.
This significant initial investment is protected only by diligent, long-term post-transplant care. The tree will experience transplant shock, characterized by wilting, leaf drop, or slowed growth as it struggles to regenerate a functioning root system. A rule of thumb suggests that for every inch of trunk diameter, the tree will take one year to fully recover and resume normal growth.
The most important aspect of aftercare is a consistent, deep watering protocol. This is necessary because up to 95% of the original root mass is lost during the move. Water must be applied slowly and deeply to the entire root ball, keeping it moist but not soggy, which can suffocate the roots. Applying a two-to-three-inch layer of mulch, kept away from the trunk, helps conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperature. Avoid applying fertilizer in the first year, as the tree needs to focus its energy on root regeneration rather than top growth.