If the plant to be transplanted was not grown in a pot, container or similar vessel, loses some of the roots when transplanting. As the plant grows, its root system becomes larger and more extensive. Extraction of the entire extensive root system of the plant from the natural substrate, in which she grows, it is practically impossible. Therefore, when removing the plant for transplanting, part of the roots is cut off. The more roots are left in the substrate, the greater the imbalance with the aboveground part. As a result, the life processes of the plant are disrupted, the chance of accepting it and further satisfactory growth decreases. Keeping the tree after transplanting over the course 2-3 years in a state of only weak vegetation can absolutely not be considered successful.
Older trees can be dug up and transferred to a new location without a root ball. This method applies, when very loose soil, np. sandy, made it impossible to maintain the block and then, when there are possibilities to mechanize the process of digging up the roots. Digging out by hand is more time-consuming, if, on the other hand, there are works and earthworks nearby with the use of mechanized equipment, deep loosening of soil around a tree, e.g.. with the help of a bulldozer can be carried out with ease. After cutting the thicker roots, the tree can be raised, detached (vertical roots) and loaded onto the vehicle.
The soil around the tree can also be removed with water.
Trees without a root ball are 3-5 times lighter and can therefore be easily transported. The roots of trees transplanted in this way must be carefully protected against drying out during transport. Transplanting operations are best performed on cool and cloudy days.
Older trees, however, are usually transplanted with a lump of earth, A distinction is made in transplanting without preparation, consisting in digging up and cutting the roots immediately before transplanting and transplanting with preparation, consisting in cutting some or all of the roots for some time before transplanting. Transplanting without preparation can be applied to trees with a trunk diameter 10-15 cm, tolerating transplanting well and transplanted under favorable weather conditions.
Larger or transplanted trees in the state of foliage, and also conifers require special preparation of the root system for this operation.