“Caliper trees” are older and larger (typically they have a stem diameter of 2-inches or more when measured 6-inches above the soil level) than saplings, and require extra care when planting. Caliper trees are more prone to transplant shock and therefore there are specific and certain criteria that must be followed to successfully transplant them.

Mature trees are potentially only as good as the nursery stock from which they came. Therefore is crucial to carefully select trees for planting that have good form and are free from insects, disease, damage, and decay. To help the tree survive in the urban environment it is also important to select large-caliper trees. Larger caliper trees establish more quickly and typically branch higher, providing necessary clearance sooner than smaller trees. Smaller trees are also more prone to damage and vandalism. Planting larger caliper trees of good nursery stock helps protect the investment in our urban canopy resource.

To increase your chances of success, evaluate the suitability of the new planting site by checking the growing conditions, including light levels, soil pH, drainage, and exposure. In other words, assume you are selecting a new plant for the new site and ask the question “do the conditions at the site meet the growing requirements of the plant?”

The images below show a large caliper tree transplanting operation by Lincoln Landscaping of Franklin Lakes.