How do I move this big tree?

ms_minnamouse

16 years ago

I have a 8' Bradford pear tree that's in the way, where I want to re-do my butterfly garden.

How in the heck do I successfully move it without killing it?

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Comments (6)

Embothrium
16 years ago
Since this selection is apt to split apart with age etc.* maybe just cut it down and dig it out.

*Searching forums you will find pages of discussion
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Embothrium
16 years ago
You will have to wait until fall or winter when leaves are off and move it at that time. Intact soil ball not necessary, preferable to leave most of soil behind in order to get more roots.
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Iris GW
16 years ago
If you're a fan of native plants, better to get rid of this one and plant something better for wildlife like a Serviceberry.
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jqpublic
16 years ago
This tree is an awful tree and will break apart eventually. I'd suggest taking that tree down and planting a native that can give you many years of enjoyment not a couple decades.
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noki
16 years ago
How long has it been planted? If it's been there for a couple of years or more, it's not worth the bother of trying to dig it up and move it.

If you are really that fond of the tree and don't want to buy another tree, you could try to dig it up in the fall but it may not be easy. There is no easy answer or magic fertilizer, just hard work.
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sam_md
16 years ago
Minnamouse,
I wasn't going to respond until I read in your memberpage
"I'm a 21 year old gardener from Maryland".
Clearly what you don't know is that our state has the unhappy distinction of being partly responsible for introducing Bradford Pear. The research was done in Glen Dale. PG County is considered the epicenter of the "Plague of Pears" Bob Stewart, from AA County wrote the excellent article by that name.
A previous poster says that an intact soilball is not necessary. He got that one right! Dig out the BP unceremoniously and run it through the shredder.
I commend you for wanting a wildlife-friendly garden, I'm sure that you know that BP has no wildlife benefit whatsoever.
Bob Mitchell was a great entomologist who lived in College Park. He authored a Golden Guide "Butterflies and Moths" which you might find in the nature store. Check out larval hosts for these insects. I would recommend Sassafras or Spicebush which can be purchased at next month's plant sale at St. Timothy's school.
Sam

Here is a link that might be useful: Irvine Science Center Plant Sale
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Comments (6)

Embothrium

Embothrium

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Iris GW

jqpublic

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