In October, Tree Logic was set the task of transplanting a large maturing Azarole Hawthorn (Crataegus azarolus) located in old Salvation Army site where it had been planted 60 years earlier, to Victory Park in the very heart of Traralgon which is literally across the road.

The tree is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as being of state botanical significance as the only known example of this specie or hybrid in Victoria. With the help of Rob Bodenstaff (Arbor Centre, WA), BS Callow, Gyra Engineering and various local sub-contractors including P & D Cranes, Maffra Trenching and RTL Transport; Tree Logic set about process for transplanting the 40 tonne tree.

How we did it

A root ball of over 5 meters in diameter was carefully excavated, roots were trimmed and the ball framed. A steel raft frame was constructed under the tree so that it may be lifted with a crane and placed on a transport vehicle. The base lift method of transplant was chosen over the more common practice of pin lifting, to reduce damage to the tree and to take a much larger root ball. Once lifted on to transport the tree was driven across the Princess Highway into Victory Park. The tree was planted proud of existing site grade to avoid any potential water logging of the root ball, was mulched and the site cleaned up.

The job was completed within 5 days. LaTrobe City Council will look after the tree for the next 2 - 5 years until it becomes re-established in the landscape. Parks and Gardens staff lead by Mick Cantwell were trained by Tree Logic in the nuances of managing and maintaining the tree over this critical period and we will be dropping in from time to time to see how the tree fares. Early indications are that it’s a happy team at Hawthorn.

A recent letter from Peter has been answered by Stephen Frank at Tree Logic and so we include here as advise to those with similar problems.

Hi
My name is Peter I have a problem with my maple tree in the back yard.
Can you help me with a grub that seems to be eating the crotches and trunk of this Acer rubrums.
It is a young tree.
If I send some photos can you please give me a consultation? Possibly a way to save the tree from getting worse as we love the tree I am happy to pay you for your time
Regards
Peter

Hello Peter,
Indeed your Red Maple has a problem, and to be honest one that can not be solved by any arboricultural treatment I am aware of.
Judging from the photo accompanying your email, the pest has been present for some time and extent of damage is too much. It would appear that ~50% of the circumference of the stem has been affected.
Control of borer in trees is very difficult.  Most borers attack trees weakened by drought, mechanical injury, recent transplants, poor soils or root systems. The most important prevention of borers is keeping trees healthy through proper management (primarily watering, which again can be difficult under current drought conditions).  The most common way to control borers, in addition to proper tree maintenance, is chemical control.  However, borers live inside trees, and treating them with insecticides is difficult if not impossible, and it comes down to timing of treatment.  The best time to control borers is when adult are laying eggs on or under bark, which is difficult to monitor in a domestic situation.  Pheromone traps, available for some borer species, help determine if adults are present. Trunk sprays can be effective when borers are in the early larvae stage before they enter the tree.  I reiterate that the extent of damage with your tree suggests that the tree is past chemical treatment.  I have heard people using a fine wire to poke into the tunnels created by the borers in the hope of skewing one.
I would suggest you remove the tree (as distasteful as it sounds) and replace it with a new one.  Properly plant species that are well adapted to your location and provide them with proper care.  Avoid pruning from spring through summer when adults are active. Protect trees from injury. Remove and dispose of dying limbs and dead trees. Do not pile fresh-cut wood near trees.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Stephen Frank

If your task was to move a 14 metre wide by 6 metre high tree and you were unable to use a crane because of high voltage power-lines would you give up? Many would - but not the determined Dave Balsamo and team. Here’s the hot tip. It is definitely easier to move house than to move a large tree. The 26 year old treasured Quercus robor’s (English Oak) journey began last year when Tree Logic was engaged by Caroline and Don Hume to move the tree from the entrance of their property in Farm Road, Werribee to the garden bed immediately outside their house. The land was to be subdivided they wanted to ensure the future of their much loved tree. Tree Logic prepared the root ball and pruned the tree in July 2006 and over the following summer assisted the Hume’s in maintaining the tree. Carbohydrate drenches were employed on the root ball of the tree to promote root initiation and elongation. That was the easy part. Next came the actual move in August this year and the realisation that a crane could not be used to move this beauty. Determined to find a solution, Dave and his team tapped into much creativity and a bit of early Xmas spirit. The tree’s root ball was framed, lifted, placed on a sled and moved 600 meters to its new location.

Tree Logic is providing the initial establishment maintenance including carbohydrate drenches, and has developed an establishment maintenance program that will be delivered by the Hume’s over the next three years to ensure the tree’s health and future prosperity. Dave is contemplating starting his own human dog sled team! Well done Dave and team.

Struggling oak getting a “Carbo drench” and possum guard skirt. It also needs pruning back from the roof to be possum proof.

Pictures are of James at work. Click to enlarge.

Interesting photos of an arborial reaction to traffic management.