The process of getting a tree transplanted to wherever you want starts with deciding which of the following categories applies to you:
Public: Department of Transportation, Parks and Recreation, etc.
Contractor: Commercial or Residential Construction, Landscaping, Restoration, Nursery, etc.
Private: Individual that just wants to add some shade to the front or back yard
For the Public and Contractor categories, these entities usually have a good handle on their process as the addition of trees to a property is part of the original design phase and any permitting that is required usually falls under a construction plan. Any other service provider that needs to transplant trees also usually knows how to go about that.
For Private individuals, however, there is rarely a need to know how any of this works until you decide to actually buy a tree and get it transplanted on your property. So, where do you begin?
1.
We recommend you contact your local licensed landscaper. A licensed landscaper will be aware of your local codes and requirements. Due to varieties in city ordinances, it is impossible for Oak Glades Farm to know the requirements in every area a tree might go so we need to rely on your local expert to help out where needed. We will be glad to assist you in finding the right landscaper for your needs. As we go, we build relationships with nurseries, landscapers, and architects so we might know someone in your area.
2.
In most situations, a permit is required. The landscaper will know how to acquire the permit. We may need to work with the landscaper or other appropriate representative to get the proper information for permitting purposes. The information required usually consists of a few items to ensure a tree will not interfere with foundations or underground construction such as pipes or cables. Here are some things to consider:
a.
“Where” are you putting the tree? There will be a minimum distance from buildings, sidewalks, streets, neighbors, fences, etc. that will be required.
b.
“What” kind of tree are you putting in? This will be a major input on the permit as you want to make sure the tree will not be killing or damaging other plants.
c.
“Who” is doing the work? This is also required on the permit and will usually include your landscaper and Oak Glades Farm personnel.
d.
“When” are you planting the tree? For our purposes in South Florida, it doesn’t matter much and is usually regulated by how much traffic flow is interrupted by transport and other job-related equipment. Farther north, the time of year to transplant a mature tree can make a difference so your local landscaper can advise you. In most residential areas, time of day is also a consideration and sometimes actually regulated by city ordinances for noise control.
e.
“How” are you going to get this done? This refers to the type of equipment required to dig a hole, take the tree from a trailer and put it in the hole, the equipment delivering the tree and how much room it will take up on the road or how long it may obstruct traffic, and, of course, what safety measures will be taken to ensure no damage to surrounding grounds or structures.
3.
Once your local landscaper develops the local plan and obtains the proper permits required, it then becomes a matter of just two more items:
a.
Choose your tree
b.
Get the tree delivered
Although these two items can sound fairly simple, they can be a bit more of a challenge depending on what size tree you want. For example, if you want to shade an entire backyard or entire face of your house, then a 25-30’ tree might be appropriate, but getting it there may be more costly than the tree itself. It’s worth finding out before you purchase.
A 30’ tree may have a canopy diameter of 30-40’ and would require a major trim before being trucked. Still, you don’t want to cut it all the way down to fit in a normal truck either; a Wide Load Permit may be required. This type of specialty equipment is too expensive to warrant its purchase for a small farm, but we are happy to help you and your landscaper find appropriate, qualified transport companies to provide quotes.
Still, having that big beautiful tree just show up and start growing is worth every penny.
On the other hand, any tree up to about 20’ that can fit on a standard trailer can easily be transported by anybody including Oak Glades Farm. We are happy to offer this service as we have plenty of this type of equipment and are not required to obtain special road hazard permits. We would still need to work with your landscaper to use or rent a small excavator or similar equipment to get the tree from the trailer to the hole where you want the tree. Fees for this service cover the labor of the driver and the fuel for the round trip and can be found in our pricing and shipping information pages.
4.
Finally, Oak Glades Farm will instruct you and your landscaper on the volume of water and other care required by the tree in the first weeks, months, and years so the tree stays healthy and develops the proper root structure. Trimming is fairly simple as you just trim the tree to grow as you desire ensuring you never prune more than 30% at a time.