Transporting a medium-sized tree in a pickup truck requires careful planning and execution to protect both the tree and the driver. This process focuses on containerized trees and balled-and-burlapped (B&B) specimens, the most common types available for home transport. The primary goal is mitigating two main threats during transit: physical damage to the root ball or trunk, and desiccation of the canopy from wind exposure. By understanding the proper preparation, loading, securing, and aftercare, you can increase the tree’s chances of thriving in its new location. A successful move hinges on treating the tree as fragile, living cargo that needs specialized protection.
Essential Preparation Before Moving
Before loading, gather necessary materials and prepare the plant to withstand the journey. Essential supplies include heavy-duty ratchet straps (not elastic bungee cords), a mesh tarp or shade cloth to cover the canopy, work gloves, and potentially a sheet of plywood to line the truck bed.
Preparation for a balled-and-burlapped tree involves ensuring the root ball is intact and well-moistened, as a dry root ball is susceptible to breaking during handling. Containerized trees should be thoroughly watered the day before the move to provide maximum hydration and combat moisture loss during transport. Pruning any minor, low-hanging branches that might break during handling can be helpful, but avoid heavy pruning since the tree needs its leaves for post-transplant recovery.
The truck bed should be prepared to provide a stable, flat surface for the root ball or container. Laying down a sheet of plywood or a thick rubber mat helps distribute the weight evenly and prevents the root ball from catching on the ridges of the truck bed during loading or travel. This step also protects the truck bed from scratches and shields the tree from the metal surface.
Safe Loading Techniques
The physical act of placing the tree onto the truck bed is the most physically demanding and potentially hazardous step. Never lift the tree by its trunk, as this can strip the bark or cause internal damage to the cambium layer beneath the bark, which is responsible for transporting water and nutrients. For containerized trees, always lift using the base of the container; for B&B specimens, lift by the root ball or the wire basket if one is present.
If the root ball is too heavy to lift directly, leverage techniques should be used, preferably with multiple people assisting. One safe technique involves tilting the root ball onto the edge of the truck bed and then rolling it or using a ramp to slide it fully onto the surface. Preventing the root ball from dropping, even a short distance, is important, as a sudden impact can break the fine feeder roots necessary for water and nutrient absorption.
The tree should be oriented with the root ball placed firmly against the cab of the truck, and the canopy extending toward the tailgate. This positioning uses the cab as a solid anchor point and minimizes the chance of the heavy root ball shifting backward while the vehicle is accelerating or braking. For taller trees, laying the tree gently on its side, with padding under the trunk to prevent rubbing, is often safer than attempting to transport it upright.
Securing the Tree for Travel
Once the tree is positioned correctly, securing it is paramount to prevent movement that could cause root ball separation or trunk abrasion. Use non-stretching, heavy-duty ratchet straps to anchor the root ball or container, securing the straps high on the root mass where the load is most stable. Tighten the straps until the tree cannot roll or slide, but avoid overtightening them around the trunk, which can crush the bark and interrupt the flow of sap.
To protect the foliage from windburn and desiccation, the canopy must be covered, especially during highway travel. The sheer force of wind at speed rapidly pulls moisture from the leaves through transpiration, leading to scorched or damaged leaves. A breathable mesh tarp or shade cloth is recommended over a solid plastic tarp because it reduces wind velocity while allowing air circulation, preventing heat buildup.
The canopy cover should be secured tightly to the tree and the truck bed so it does not flap excessively. Ensuring the straps and covering are taut also prevents the material from loosening and potentially obstructing the driver’s view or creating a road hazard. This protection is especially helpful for evergreen trees, which lose moisture through their leaves year-round.
Post-Transport Care and Unloading
Safe driving practices are a continuation of the securing process, as sudden movements can still damage the tree. Reduce your speed, particularly on highways, and allow for extra distance when braking, making gradual turns to minimize the lateral forces acting on the root ball. A tree represents a significant shift in the vehicle’s center of gravity, which affects handling and stability, requiring a cautious approach to driving.
Unloading should carefully reverse the loading process, ideally using the same number of people and techniques to prevent dropping the root ball. Once the tree is out of the truck, move it directly to its planting location or place it temporarily in a shaded area. Immediate care is centered on mitigating transplant shock, which is a reduction in the tree’s ability to absorb water due to root loss during the move.
The tree must be watered deeply and immediately upon arrival, ensuring that the entire root ball is saturated. Planting or “heeling-in” the tree promptly is important to minimize the time the roots are exposed to drying air and temperature fluctuations. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the newly planted tree will help retain soil moisture and moderate the temperature of the root zone, supporting its recovery and establishment.