Shipping a live tree is a delicate logistical exercise that requires careful attention to the plant’s biological needs. The primary challenge is maintaining moisture, temperature, and physical integrity while the tree is confined and deprived of light. Successful shipping relies on a precise sequence of preparation, packaging, and timely delivery. The entire process must prioritize minimizing physiological stress from the moment the tree is dug until it reaches its final destination.
Preparing the Tree for Transit
Preparation begins by determining the tree’s state for shipment: bare-root or containerized. Bare-root trees, shipped while dormant, are the lightest and most economical option as they are free of heavy soil. To prepare them, all soil must be gently washed from the roots. Any broken or excessively long roots should be trimmed with clean shears.
The root system must be thoroughly hydrated before packaging, often by soaking the entire root mass in water for up to two hours. After soaking, the roots are immediately wrapped in a moisture-retaining material. This material can include damp shredded newspaper, peat moss, or water-retaining polymer gel. The wrapping must be damp, not soaking wet, to provide a humidity buffer without promoting fungal or mold growth during shipping.
Shipping containerized trees focuses on soil moisture management. The potting medium should dry slightly before shipping, achieving a moist but not saturated state. Excess water adds unnecessary weight and can lead to anaerobic conditions or soil shifting. The tree should be handled solely by the container or the root ball, never by the trunk, to prevent internal cambium damage. The base of the container is then secured with plastic wrap or a bag, fastened tightly around the trunk, to prevent the growing medium from spilling out and to retain moisture.
Essential Packaging Techniques and Materials
The physical packaging requires materials that are both sturdy and flexible. A corrugated cardboard box provides structural support, but it should be only slightly larger than the tree to limit movement during handling. Tree shifting inside the box is the most common cause of damage, resulting in broken branches or root ball separation. The tree must be firmly immobilized within the container using bracing material like shredded paper, packing peanuts, or hay to cushion the stem and branches.
For bare-root stock, the prepared, plastic-wrapped root ball is positioned at one end of the box and secured to the bottom with tape or twine. Delicate branches and the tree’s canopy must be loosely wrapped in paper or a thin sheet of plastic. This protects them from abrasion without crushing tender foliage or buds.
Securing the root ball or container is important, as the base is the heaviest part of the plant. The root system’s moisture wrap must be fully sealed with plastic to prevent desiccation, the greatest threat to survival in transit. A few small ventilation holes should be made on the sides of the box near the top to allow for gas exchange. The box must be clearly marked with directional arrows and the words “Live Plant” or “Perishable” to encourage proper handling and orientation.
Navigating Shipping Logistics and Regulations
The timing and speed of transit are often more important than the packaging for the tree’s survival. Shipping live trees necessitates expedited services, aiming for a transit time of no more than two to three days. This minimizes the duration the tree spends without light and in a confined environment. Air transport is the preferred method for longer distances.
A strategic shipping schedule is required, specifically avoiding sending packages on a Thursday or Friday. This prevents the tree from sitting in a non-temperature-controlled warehouse over a weekend. Shipping must also be avoided during periods of extreme weather, including hard freezes or high temperatures exceeding 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions rapidly deplete the tree’s energy reserves and cause cellular damage. The shipper should consult the destination’s weather forecast to ensure a safe arrival window.
Compliance with agricultural regulations is required, particularly when shipping across state or international borders. Many regions require a phytosanitary certificate, an official document issued by the origin agricultural authority. This certificate attests that the tree has been inspected and is certified free of regulated pests and diseases. Lack of this documentation can lead to the confiscation and destruction of the tree by inspectors.
Ensuring Survival: Post-Arrival Care
The recipient’s immediate actions upon delivery are the final factor in the tree’s survival. The shipped tree should be unboxed immediately upon arrival to avoid prolonging its time in the dark, stressful environment. Packaging materials must be removed carefully. The tree should then be inspected for physical damage, such as broken branches or signs of mold.
For bare-root stock, the roots must be rehydrated immediately by soaking them in a bucket of water for a few hours, then kept continually moist until planting. If planting is not possible within a few days, the tree should be “heeled in.” This involves temporarily burying the roots in a trench or container filled with soil, sand, or sawdust in a cool, shaded location. This temporary measure keeps the roots hydrated and dormant.
Containerized trees should be watered if the soil has dried out during transit, then placed in a sheltered area out of direct sunlight. Acclimation is a gradual process where the tree is slowly introduced to outdoor conditions over several days. Move the tree from deep shade to partial shade before placing it in its final planting location. This gradual exposure allows the leaves to adjust to full light intensity, reducing the chance of transplant shock and leaf scorch.