Moving a 400' hedge row

[sixdogs]

I'm done with this neighbor for good and probably should have left him out of this thread as I don't want to turn this into a rant thread.

back on subject...

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Tree spade or not, one way or another I'll get them all moved by the years end....or die trying If anyone has any better ideas or suggestions please speak up...my back will thank you

Yeah, forget about the neighbor and think about asking your surveyor how to get him to pay for the pin location again. "To forgive easily invites offense" is the quote that comes to mind. He can pay the surveyor on his own or you can press charges since you have it on tape. Read the book "Gift of Fear" mentioned earlier but my guess is the neighbor in just an agitator looking to see how far he can bluff and will then just back down ASAP. Either way, maybe stop negotiating.

And on your "git 'er done" approach, we knew that from the get-go and have complete faith in the outcome. Next spring, get on these early before spring gets too far along. If there is a time in late winter with no snow, those trees should be moved. You could hire some of this out next spring and make the arrangements now?

As your trees begin to open up--now--maybe broadcast some fertilizer outside the root ball you moved and the water and that fertilizer will get those roots off to a good start. Here I would sparingly use 19-19-19 but you more likely have 10-10-10 or because of your gravel soil 10-2-10 or near that. Try for equal numbers, broadcast above ground only and no fertilizer below grade. That way, if you svrew up with too much, you'll be OK.
Remember, your trees are going to look scraggly for a couple years so relax. I have moved lots of these all kinds of ways and don't think I ever lost one that I watered.

 

[sixdogs]

I hear New England is getting lots of rainfall this year so your transplants should be doing well? How far did you get on the project and how far did you get with the neighbor? Any summer parties with lots of cars?

 

[TCBoomer]

Rain?? lol oh yeah we've gotten plenty of rain. Spring rains were pretty dismal but not the summer rains...we're at a surplus now for sure!!

I got 28 moved before I had to shut down due to the new growth and buds. Wanted to get more but we had a number of weekends that were washed out so I didn't move any. My tree guy was just here last week and he said in another week or so I can start back up again. And believe me...I'm ready to continue! I found a routine/rhythm that works well and got into the 'groove' of doing the job. But after a month or so off, it may take a day or 3 to get back up to speed. Granted the heat is on in more ways than I need...it's been brutal temps lately...but as long as I water as I've been doing after transplanting, I'm not concerned and neither is my tree guy.

In fact the best part I saved for last!!! Even my tree guy was impressed lol

Every one of the 28 I moved so far have taken off like they were never moved. Loaded with color, buds, new growth and extremely vibrant looking. Didn't have to tie any up to prevent blow overs...we even had a number of severe T storms/hi winds that didn't cause any harm. I'm sure all the rain and my watering were major contributors, but the soil conditions and sunlight also played a roll no doubt. Thinking back when I started though, I fully expected to have to put up with some scraggly looking trees this year, but far from it and I'm exceptionally pleased with what I've done so far. Admittedly I was hesitant when I started as I've never tackled something like this before. But my confidence is overflowing and as I said....I'm ready to continue ASAP. Hoping maybe by next weekend

re: neighbors visitors/summer parties. Over the course of the last 6 years since these were planted, we've noticed the frequency and number of visitors drop a little each year. We have our suspicions as to why, but that's not my problem or any of my business anymore. What I can say is this, and to give this problem neighbor credit when due...the few visitors they did have so far this year did not park next to where I was working. They left about 20' clear which was more than enough to allow me to work. I'm fairly certain the neighbor must of said something, it was obviously intentional.

Thanks for asking and sorry for the delay as I've been super busy doing all the other chores that got neglected when I started moving these. I'll update with photos once I get up and moving again

 

[Coyote machine]

Really big project! 400' of fully grown tree transplant- wow! Nice work. You're definitely motivated.
I hate to ask, maybe I missed something in your thread, what caused you to move the trees? Did your neighbor sue you for a property line infringement or something?
Whatever the case, what a major feat to move all those trees and to do so without harm to any. Kudos to your planning and perseverance. Where is your place in CT? ( I just sold my family home of 100 years in Stonington, last fall). :thumbdown:

 

[sixdogs]

Glad it's working so well and glad your neighbor seems to be figuring it out. You get high marks on the restraint in dealing with him.

I've never moved trees in the summer so be careful. As you learned, water is what makes it work and is the primary determinant of survivability. They would have looked scraggly with less water so keep them damp and be careful of dry spells for the first three years.

They need help with the shock of transplanting and I found that fertilizer in the spring, around the time they start to grow worked the best. I found that just sprinkling it on the ground on the drip line worked the best and was self-limiting in that it soaked in when it rained and was kept away from direct contact with the roots.. Cedars often look good the first year and not so good the second year so don't let your guard down with the water.