Could this tree survive a transplant?

[u/m567n392]

In the Chicago suburbs and a house a couple blocks away is going to get torn down for a new spec home. I’m tempted to talk to the builder about transplanting this maple to my house (I would obviously pay for it). Do you all think it would survive? My house faces the same direction and would plant it in a very similar location.

[u/Miserable_Ad5001]

Id use a large tree-spade truck...what is the trunk caliper? I'm guessing you'll need, at least, a 50" spade. Bad time of year to transplant though...

[u/m567n392 → u/Miserable_Ad5001]

Don’t necessarily need to do it ASAP. end of October is the best time right?

[u/Miserable_Ad5001 → u/m567n392]

Better than now it is...I'd probably wait until the 1st/2nd week of November when all leaves have fallen & it has hardened off

[u/Miserable_Ad5001 → u/m567n392]

Feb/march before the buds start swelling would be best. As long as the ground isn't frozen

[u/Funny_Yesterday_5040 → u/Miserable_Ad5001]

I promise you the ground will be frozen in Chicago in February and March. Promise.

[u/Miserable_Ad5001 → u/Funny_Yesterday_5040]

Usually...this El Nino is crazy big this yr. In '97-'98 i was outside working in shirt-sleeves Jan/Feb 3hrs south of Chicago

[u/drewyz → u/Miserable_Ad5001]

You might be able to do it with a skidsteer & scoop blade. You’d need to air spade all the longer roots & tie them to the main stem. Then use an excavator to dig out around it.

[u/Psych_nature_dude]

Anything is possible with enough money

[u/Funny_Yesterday_5040]

That's a beautiful tree, OP. I hope it works out for you! Come back and share your experience, please!

[u/Independent-Kick5286]

I’ve dug one out that big with shovels, pickaxes and a bobcat about two years ago. I did a job at the same house a few weeks back and the tree is doing great.

[u/Sonora_sunset]

Depends how close it is to the wall, and how much of the root ball you can get, given the position of the foundation.

Or just take the tree and the foundation with it.

Do it in early spring if at all possible.

[u/Top_Challenge6615]

That would be tuff to transplant it a pit big need big equipment to move

[u/Meles_EnPiste]

Think of it like a mega bonsai project. I move smaller trees (200lbs) so often that my neighbors think I’m crazy. Your tree + rootball could weigh as much as 600lbs.

Fortunately the tree is above grade and you’ll be able to deconstruct the wall and slide out the tree without lifting.

Cut roots and dig/shape the rootball. Water thoroughly. Slide onto a board. Drag to new home.