Can you move a 15 year old orange tree?

Question

I have an orange tree in my backyard that is about 15 years old and about 10 feet high. It's a bit overgrown. It was planted by my house's previous owners right in front of the patio. It blocks the entire view of the yard. I don't want to kill it, I just was hoping to move it to another location.

Is it possible to move a tree that old and established? How would you go about finding a qualified tree mover?

Answer 1

I would say that moving it would kill it. Transplant shock in mature trees lasts years. Larger trees never recover. I would take the tree down and plant a new one where you want it. Agree with the others that said that trees add value to the property, BUT only if they are sited right. It doesn't matter how beautiful a tree is, if it's in the wrong place, it can DEVALUE a property.  

Answer 2

i think that if you remove it carefully after you have dug a hole for it where you want to move the tree to and if you see where the roots of the tree are and dig around them with out hurting any and replant it that way. that is all i can think of.

Answer 3

I agree with the previous poster's comment.  To determine how long the roots are, look at the canopy and double or triple that size.

Most fruit trees don't live very long, so figure that you only have a few more productive years left on the orange tree.  Will moving it be worth it?  A tree that old may die from shock after the transplant, or be so weakened that it will die anyway.

Look up "certified arborist" in your phone book.  They are more expensive than just a "tree service specialist" or call your local county extension office for a contact there.

Trees add value to one's property.  Removing it will leave a large hole in your yard.

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Answer 4

Call some arborists in your area - they may be able to direct you to the name of those who move large trees.

Around here, there's one service who will move trees with a 3" caliper trunk.  I'm sure it's expensive.  So unless the tree has sentimental value, it may be easier and cheaper to remove the tree, and plant something else.

Answer 5

look at the tree's canopy -the roots are almost double that width.  hire a professional to trim the tree.  trees are valuable and add alot to your property's resale value.