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Capability Record, China, Method Record, Trees

How a Mature Tree Is Lifted and Root-Balled: A Field Record

How a Mature Tree Is Lifted and Root-Balled: A Field Record

Ornatec International |

Archive record · Field guide · 2010s · China

Moving a mature tree is not brute force. It is a precise, repeatable field discipline that protects the root system, the crown and the crew. This record rebuilds our documented transplanting sequence from China operations: a numbered photographic guide that follows one specimen from selection to final staking.

The method, distilled

  • Proportion first: the root ball is marked out at a ratio of one to ten against trunk caliper, so the ball matches the tree it must sustain.
  • Clean cuts only: thick roots are sawn, never torn, and the finished ball is measured before wrapping.
  • Hessian, then steel: the ball is wrapped in hessian and encased in a tensioned wire basket that holds it solid through craning and trucking.
  • The crown travels bound: branches are drawn in and tied before the tree is pushed over and slung.
  • The bed is ready first: geotextile, gravel and planting soil are laid, misting lines installed and anchors set before the tree arrives.

Why this record matters

Specification writers ask a fair question: how do we know a supplier can actually move a large tree? This is the answer in fifteen photographs. The same method stands behind the ex-ground stock in our current tree range.

The record, in photographs

1. Selecting the tree.
1. Selecting the tree.
2. Marking the root ball in proportion to trunk caliper (1:10).
2. Marking the root ball in proportion to trunk caliper (1:10).
3. Excavating carefully around the root ball.
3. Excavating carefully around the root ball.
4. Cutting thick roots cleanly with a saw.
4. Cutting thick roots cleanly with a saw.
5. Measuring the finished root-ball diameter.
5. Measuring the finished root-ball diameter.
6. Wrapping the root ball in hessian.
6. Wrapping the root ball in hessian.
7. Encasing the ball in a wire mesh basket.
7. Encasing the ball in a wire mesh basket.
8. The root ball wrapped, caged and secured.
8. The root ball wrapped, caged and secured.
9. Binding the crown to protect it for lifting.
9. Binding the crown to protect it for lifting.
10. Hoisting the tree with soft slings.
10. Hoisting the tree with soft slings.
11. Loading onto the truck.
11. Loading onto the truck.
12. Preparing the receiving bed: geotextile, gravel and planting-soil layers.
12. Preparing the receiving bed: geotextile, gravel and planting-soil layers.
13. Installing misting pipes for establishment.
13. Installing misting pipes for establishment.
14. Fitting container panels around the root ball.
14. Fitting container panels around the root ball.
15. Final staking and securing.
15. Final staking and securing.

Read more records on the Knowledge Archive hub, or browse the project gallery.

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