What Is Large Tree Transplanting?
Large tree transplanting is the process of relocating mature trees that are too big for standard nursery methods. Using truck-mounted tree spades and specialized pod trailers, we extract the tree with its intact root ball, transport it, and replant it in a new location—all in a carefully planned operation that prioritizes tree health and long-term survival.
Gesco Nursery has decades of experience moving mature Colorado-grown evergreens, including Blue Spruce, Ponderosa Pine, Austrian Pine, Scotch Pine, White Pine, and Pinyon Pine. Our trees are grown under drip irrigation and managed for transplantability, making them ideal candidates for large-scale relocation.
Gesco owns and operates the tree spades, pod trailers, and transport equipment needed to move big trees efficiently. Our ability to haul multiple trees per trip reduces freight costs and allows us to offer high-value, mature trees at competitive prices.
Our Large Tree Transplanting Capabilities
We focus on large, mature trees that provide immediate visual impact and function. Typical transplant projects include:
Tree Sizes We Can Move
- Mature evergreens from approximately 10’–20’ tall
- Park-grade trees in the 20’–30’+ range
- Large specialty specimens up to about 35’ tall, where access allows
- Root balls up to 100” with our large spade equipment
Common Species We Transplant
- Blue Spruce (Colorado Blue Spruce)
- Ponderosa Pine
- Austrian Pine
- Scotch Pine
- White Pine
- Pinyon Pine
Ideal Applications for Large Trees
- Residential homes seeking instant privacy screens and windbreaks
- Ranches and acreage properties wanting mature shelterbelts
- HOAs, parks, and open-space projects
- Commercial and corporate campuses
- Golf courses and hospitality properties
How Our Large Tree Transplanting Process Works
Every large-tree move is carefully planned to protect both the tree and your property. Our process typically includes:
- Site Evaluation: We review access, slopes, soil conditions, utilities, and equipment requirements.
- Tree Selection & Tagging: Choose from our nursery-grown trees or specify existing trees to be moved.
- Root Ball Sizing: We match spade size and root ball dimensions to tree height and species.
- Spading & Extraction: The tree spade cuts and lifts the tree with its root ball intact.
- Transport: Pod trailers or trucks move the tree onsite or to a new property.
- Replanting: The tree is set, straightened, and stabilized in the prepared planting hole.
- Water, Mycorrhizae & Fertilizer: We promote rapid root re-establishment with proper amendments.
- Staking (if needed): Large trees are braced to resist wind while they root in.
Where We Perform Large Tree Transplanting
Gesco Nursery is based in Franktown, Colorado, and we regularly transplant large trees throughout the region, including:
- Denver metro and southern suburbs
- Castle Rock, Parker, and Elizabeth areas
- Colorado Springs region
- Foothills and nearby rural properties, where access allows
If you’re unsure whether your site is accessible for large-tree equipment, we can perform a quick evaluation and let you know what’s possible.
Large Tree Transplanting Pricing
The cost of moving large trees depends on tree size, quantity, distance, and site access. Oversized root balls, steep slopes, and tight entry points may require additional planning and equipment.
As a general guideline, large tree transplanting projects commonly start around $1,500–$2,500 per tree and may go higher for very large or complex moves. Multi-tree projects can often be more cost-effective because we can haul several trees per trip using pod trailers.
Contact us for a site-specific estimate and we will provide clear, detailed pricing for your project.
Why Choose Gesco Nursery for Large Tree Transplanting?
- Over 30 years of large-tree transplanting experience in Colorado
- Nursery-grown evergreens adapted to local elevation and climate
- In-house spades, pod trailers, and transport trucks
- Ability to move multiple large trees per load for better value
- Expert crews focused on safety, property protection, and tree health
- Experience with residential, commercial, HOA, municipal, and golf-course projects
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Tree Transplanting
1. How big of a tree can you move?
With our large spade and equipment, we can typically move trees up to about 35’ tall with root balls up to 100” in diameter, depending on access and site conditions.
2. Does a large transplanted tree need special care?
Yes. Proper watering is critical for the first few years. We will provide guidelines for watering, mulching, and general care to help the tree re-establish successfully.
3. Can you move trees already on my property, or just nursery trees?
We can do both. Many projects involve relocating trees already growing onsite, while others use trees selected from our nursery. We will evaluate each tree to determine if it is a good candidate for transplanting.
4. Will the tree survive after being moved?
We use professional methods to maximize survival, but live trees can never be guaranteed. Species, health, season, and aftercare all influence long-term success. Our nursery-grown evergreens are selected and maintained for better transplant performance.
5. How far in advance should I schedule large tree transplanting?
Large-tree moves require planning and coordination. We recommend contacting us several weeks to a few months in advance, especially for spring and fall, which are the most popular transplanting seasons.
Schedule a Large Tree Transplanting Consultation
If you’re ready to add instant impact with mature evergreens or relocate existing trees on your property, Gesco Nursery is your Colorado expert for safe, professional large tree transplanting.
Contact Gesco Nursery for a Large Tree Transplanting Estimate