How a tree is prepared before dispatch

Preparing a mature tree for dispatch involves much more than taking it out of the ground. The specimen has to be confirmed, the rootball defined, the crown and trunk protected, the weight calculated and the load organised according to the order of unloading.

The operation begins before the machine enters the field. A failure of identification or logistics can compromise the selection made in the design and years of production.

The team checks the specimen code, the species, the size and the position planned on site. Photographs and markings help to ensure that the tree chosen is the tree lifted.

When the orientation of the crown has been defined in the nursery, that information is recorded. The more open or the denser side may have a specific role in the design.

The date, the distance, the weather conditions and the equipment available at the destination are also confirmed.

Before lifting, the condition of the crown, the trunk and the ground is observed. The tree may have suffered recent damage, and the soil may not allow a safe rootball to be formed.

The transplanting history helps to confirm that the root has had time to recover. A tree that looks vigorous is not necessarily ready if it was moved a short time ago.

Where there are doubts, dispatch is postponed rather than trying to compensate on site.

Its dimensions are chosen according to the size of the tree, the species and the root system.

For most specimens, a rootballing machine with a suitable blade is used. On large trees, especially when the rootball exceeds about 120 cm in diameter, an excavator and more manual work may be needed.

The team seeks to keep soil and root as one unit. The measurement has direct implications for the weight, the transport and the planting hole.

After the cut, the rootball is compacted and trimmed to shape. Cracks or loose areas are dealt with before hoisting.

The hessian wraps the surface and helps to retain particles and moisture. The wire mesh distributes the forces and keeps the mass cohesive.

The materials used by Diaplant come from specialist suppliers and have biodegradability certification.

The crown is drawn in gradually to reduce its width and to stop the branches moving during transport.

On dormant deciduous trees, the absence of leaves makes the operation easier. The branches are generally more flexible and take up less volume.

The ties should not concentrate pressure or permanently deform the structure. Soft materials and distributed points reduce friction.

Fragile branches, or those with a particular direction, may be given individual protection.

Depending on the specimen, Diaplant uses reused coffee sacks, cotton mesh, coir or specific materials.

The protection reduces abrasion from slings and straps, contact with other specimens and small knocks. It should allow ventilation and be inspected so that it does not hold moisture for too long.

The graft union and the bark of sensitive species deserve particular attention.

The crown is not reduced automatically to compensate for the loss of root.

Broken branches, structural problems already identified or parts incompatible with transport are removed where there is justification. Cutting too much removes leaf area and reserves needed for recovery.

The decision depends on the species, the root volume preserved and the state of growth.

The weight of the soil increases rapidly with the diameter of the rootball and with moisture. The estimate should include trunk and crown.

The capacity of the machine, the crane and the vehicle is checked for the actual reach, and not just for a lift close to the equipment.

The route may also impose limits on height, width and load.

The lifting technique is chosen for the actual specimen.

Younger, lighter trees can be lifted by the trunk with specialist padded slings, distributing the pressure and balancing the centre of mass. With multi-stems and shrubs, the main sling can go round the rootball, without crushing it, with a second support on a trunk or structural branch.

With very large trees, the main load stays on the rootball. The support on the trunk serves to stabilise and to control the tilt, often close to 45°. Unusual forms may call for cradles or specific equipment.

On the vehicle, the rootball is supported and chocked. The crown is protected and the load is organised in the order of unloading.

When several trees travel together, the order on the vehicle should match the planting sequence wherever possible.

Unloading heavy specimens and then moving them again is avoided. The site receives information on weight, identification and lifting points.

The planting hole, the crane and the soil should be ready before arrival.

The shorter the interval, the better. The rootball needs to keep its moisture and the crown should not remain exposed.

When a wait is unavoidable, the tree is placed in a safe position, sheltered from the wind and monitored. The rootball cannot be left directly exposed to heat and drying.

Dispatch preparation is the bridge between production and the site. The aim is for the tree to arrive with the same integrity with which it left the field.

• How a large tree is transported
• Wire mesh and biodegradable hessian
• Access, crane and unloading

1. European Arboricultural Standards. European Tree Planting Standard.
2. Diaplant’s lifting, protection and dispatch procedures.