lilly of the valley asks: Any advice on transplanting an 8ft leylandi tree?
I’m thinking of moving one of the leylandis in our garden, I would appreciate any tips on how best to do this, any green-fingered experts out there that have successfully done this?
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You will need mechanical help to move this tree, so proper access to your garden will be necessary. The machine, not dis-similar to a tractor has hydraulic fingers at the front. If you hold you hand up in front of you and put your fingers together, pointing downwards, that’s what we are talking about.If you slowly open your fingers you will see the complete action. The equipment comes in and digs a replacement hole.
It then goes to the tree to be removed, opens its’ fingers at the base and pushes downwards. It semi closes it’s fingers until it has captured the root ball and then carries the whole thing to the new planting hole. Surplus soil from the new hole can refill the old hole.
Superficially, it sounds a simple job. A couple of men for a day and job done. No. A tremendous amount of digging, securing the root ball in hessian or polythene temporarily whilst the tree is moved and well, how will the tree be moved? There is probably more weight underground than there is above ground.
If you are in any doubts, you need to speak with an arboriculturist, who will put you on the right track. Good Luck.
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You are very unlikely to able to move this tree successfully, as the root disturbance would be too much for it and it would die. The answer about machinery needed will tell you that it’s not economically or practically possible. Anyway, why would you want to? Best way to deal with leylandii is to chop them down and burn them, they do smell nice on a bonfire!
The trouble with leylandi is they don’t like being disturbed, even trimming them without leaving brown patches is difficult. If it is in the wrong place, and remember they can grow huge very quickly, it isn’t really viable to try and move it, and you can’t leave it there too long either. Why not just get a new small one and put it in the new place? It will grow quickly and be a whole lot cheaper, then you can cut down the old one before it gets too big to handle.
I have taken cuttings from them, just pick a good small green piece maybe six inches long and poke it down into a pot. Do several because some won;t take, keep them watered and you have your own new baby tree. Worth a try if it costs nothing. Hope you sovle your problem! x
I would just cut it down & dig out the root. Then plant a smaller tree where you want it. It will be 8 foot high within a few years.