The Worth of a Legacy Tree

The town of York, SC is a special place. People call it The White Rose City. It has many old buildings and very old trees. Big oaks and pecan trees make our yards look great. These trees are part of our history. Sometimes, a homeowner needs mature tree transplanting. Maybe there is a new house being built. Maybe the tree is blocking a view. Or maybe you just want to save a family tree. It is sad to see a big tree get cut down for a driveway. That is why moving them is a good thing for our town.

Moving a big tree is like a big doctor’s surgery. It is a hard job. You need to know about the weather in the Carolinas. You also need to be very careful. Niwaki Tree and Shrub knows how to do this. There is a lot of moving established trees work to do before the tree ever leaves the ground. It takes many years of practice to get this right. Our team has been doing this for over 26 years. That is a long time of learning how trees grow in our local dirt. A tree is more than just wood and leaves. It is a living thing that feels the change when it moves.

Is Your York Tree a Candidate for Relocation?

Not every tree can go on a trip. Some trees are too old. Some trees are too sick. Before you start, you have to look closely. A tree that looks good might have bad roots.

Some trees are good at moving. Willow Oaks and Crepe Myrtles are usually happy to move. They have roots that stay together. Other trees are very stubborn. A mature Hickory or a Longleaf Pine has a long root that goes straight down. These are very hard to move without hurting them. Niwaki Tree and Shrub can look at your tree and tell you if it is a good idea. You don’t want to spend time and work on a tree that won’t make it.

Soil & Geography In York County, we have a lot of red clay. Scientists call this the Cecil soil series. This clay is heavy. It stays together well when you dig it up. That is good for the root ball. But, clay can also hold too much water or get as hard as a brick. You have to know how to work with this red dirt. If the dirt falls off the roots, the tree might die.

A tree needs to be strong. If a tree has bugs or rot, it should stay put. Moving is very stressful. A sick tree won’t have the energy to grow new roots. You should always contact the experts to check the health of your tree first. They can see things that regular people might miss.

The Logistics of Moving Large Trees

How do you pick up something that weighs many tons? You use big machines. This is not a job for a shovel and a wheelbarrow.

• Tree Spades: These are big trucks with giant metal petals. They push into the ground around the tree. They lift the whole tree and the dirt in one piece. This is the most common way to do mature tree transplanting in our area.
• Box & Crane: Sometimes a tree is in a tight spot. A truck can’t get to it. Then, workers have to dig by hand and build a wooden box around the roots. Then a big crane lifts it over a house or a fence.

We measure trees by their DBH. That means Diameter at Breast Height. Most big trucks can move a tree that is 10 to 12 inches across. If a tree is bigger than that, it gets very hard. The machine needed would be too big for a normal yard. Niwaki Tree and Shrub knows which machine fits your yard best.

The City of York and York County have rules about trees. Sometimes you need a paper called a permit to move a big tree. It is a good idea to check the rules. You don’t want to get a fine. Local workers know these rules well.

When is the Best Time to Transplant Trees in York, SC?

Timing is everything. You cannot move a tree whenever you want. If you move a tree in the middle of a hot summer, it will likely dry up and die.

The best time is when the tree is sleeping. We call this dormancy. In York, SC, this happens from Late November to Early March. The leaves are gone. The tree is not trying to grow new branches. It can use all its power to fix its roots.

The Piedmont Climate our area has very hot summers. If a tree is trying to get used to a new home in July, it will be too thirsty. The sun is too strong. Moving in the winter gives the tree a few months to get ready before the heat hits. This is why we wait for the cold air.

Root Pruning is the best way to move a tree takes a long time. Some people start 6 to 12 months early. They cut some of the roots while the tree is still in the ground. This makes the tree grow new, small roots close to the trunk. When it is time to move, those small roots go with the tree. This is the “gold standard” for keeping a tree alive. Niwaki Tree and Shrub can help you plan this long-term path.

Ensuring Survival in South Carolina Heat

Once the tree is in its new hole, the work is not done. The first year is the hardest. The tree is like a patient in a hospital.

Water is the most important thing. But you can’t just throw a bucket on it. The red clay in York County can be tricky. You need to make sure the water gets deep down. You don’t want the roots to drown, but they can’t be dry. This is a delicate balance. Sometimes people use special tree food to help the roots get strong.

Mulch is like a blanket for the roots. It keeps the dirt cool and wet. You should make a “donut” shape with the mulch. Do not pile it up against the trunk like a “volcano.” That can make the bark rot. Niwaki Tree and Shrub sees this mistake a lot. Keep the mulch away from the wood.

We get big storms in the Carolinas. Spring winds can knock a new tree over. You need to use ropes and stakes to hold the tree still. If the tree wiggles, the new roots will break. You want the tree to stand tall while it grabs onto the new dirt.

Investing in Your Property’s Future

Moving a big tree is a big choice. It costs more than planting a small sapling. But a big tree gives shade right away. It makes your house look beautiful. It is an investment in your home. Niwaki Tree and Shrub wants to see every tree live for a long time. Our trees are what make York, SC such a nice place to live.

If you have a tree that needs a new home, don’t wait. It takes time to plan. You should talk to a York County arborist. They have the tools and the brains to do the job right. We love our local canopy. We want to keep it green and thick for our kids.

When you think about mature tree transplanting, think about the future. A tree you move today can be there for another hundred years. That is a wonderful thing to leave behind. Niwaki Tree and Shrub is here to help you make that happen. We have been part of this town for a long time. We know the trees and we know the people.

Professional Advice for Homeowners

Many people think they can move a big tree with a tractor. This is a bad idea. A big tree is very heavy. It can hurt people or houses if it falls. It is always better to call a pro. Niwaki Tree and Shrub has the right trucks. We have the right insurance. We are over 26 years.

One thing to remember is the dirt. If you move a tree from sandy dirt to clay dirt, the tree might be confused. The roots don’t know how to grow in the new stuff. We try to make the new hole just like the old one. We add things to the dirt to help the tree feel at home. This is part of the secret to a successful move.

Also, don’t forget to look up. Are there power lines? Is there a roof in the way? A tree is much taller when it is on the back of a truck. You have to plan the path from the old spot to the new spot. We look at all these things before we start the engine. It is all about being safe and smart.

Niwaki Tree and Shrub cares about your landscape. We want your yard to be the best on the block. Moving a tree is a great way to change your yard without waiting 20 years for a tree to grow. It is like instant magic, but it takes a lot of science to make the magic work. Give us a call and let’s talk about your trees. We are your neighbors in York, SC. We are here to help.