I have to do some tree thinning and there are some places where I would like to grow new trees. It would be nice to have a head start.

I've seem things that have a three or four blades on them where the blades dig a cone into the ground around the tree and then you can lift the tree, roots and all, with your three point hitch.

What do they call these things? I'll do a google search, but I think I don't have enough keywords yet.

Anybody know of manufacturers?

-- Paul Wheaton (paul@javaranch.com), September 30, 2001

Answers

Paul, those are called "spades" in the nursery industry, and usually have hydraulic rams to push the blades in around the root ball. They are often mounted on skid-steer loaders. They come in various sizes. (I have seen a 96" spade mounted on a Kenworth truck!) I do not know who the manufacturers are. Search for large (wholesale) nursery grower equipment. If there are nursery growers in your area, it might be possible to borrow one or trade for the use of it. What kind of trees are they? What size? They may be marketable. Just a thought. Good luck.

-- Marv (mcheim@lewiston.com), September 30, 2001.

Selling the trees! Interesting idea. Lots of conifers. Not sure of the varieties.

I have a couple of big pastures where I want to introduce "islands of trees" so that I can put a temporary electric fence out someday and the animals can find shade/shelter in the little bunch of trees.

-- (paul@javaranch.com), September 30, 2001.

Paul, there's an outfit in either Minnesota or Wisconsin which makes one called a 'Tree Toad' that I've seen around here. I hope this helps.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), October 01, 2001.

There is a tree spade manufacturer/ sales office located in Orlando that is named Vemeer. Do a google search for Vemeer Equipment Mfg., my spelling might be a letter or two off.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), October 01, 2001.

Hi Paul, my husband and I often move trees,we own a landscape contruction company. Check with you local Landscape/Nursery Assoc. most states have one. We have often moved trees in exchange for some of them ie: 100 need moveing we keep 40 move 60 and supply the cages {for the root balls} and labor.There are also companies that are able to move huge trees,its shocking how big they can move.We once had a job that required a huge pine to be relocated it took 8 men a crane and hoist to do but the tree lived and is doing well. Let me know where you are located and i can look up some names for you.

-- renee oneill{md.} (oneillsr@home.com), October 01, 2001.

I'm near Spokane, Washington.

There is a tree nursery on the way to town, maybe I should call those guys and see what they might be interested in doing.

-- Paul Wheaton (paul@javaranch.com), October 01, 2001.

Paul, There are a ton of conifer nurseries in Boundary and Bonner counties in Idaho, not far from Spokane. I imagine that there are some north of Spokane in WA as well. You can contact the Idaho Nursery Assoc. at 1-800-462-4769. I don't have the Washington info, but you could call the Washington State Dept. of Ag. (there is a Spokane office)and they could put you in touch with the appropriate folks. Hope this helps, Marv

-- Marv (mcheim@lewiston.com), October 02, 2001.