Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your landscape. Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a property owner looking to enhance your space, planting trees in spring sets them up for strong, healthy growth before summer kicks in.
But let’s be honest—digging up and moving trees by hand? Not fun. That’s where a skid steer tree spade comes in! This powerful attachment makes tree planting and transplanting faster, easier, and more efficient—saving you time and effort while protecting the tree’s root system.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use a skid steer tree spade for spring tree planting, covering:
- Why Spring is the best time for tree planting
- Step-by-step guide on how to operate a tree spade
- Common mistakes to avoid & troubleshooting tips
- Expert advice for healthy, successful tree transplanting
Before we get started, check out this Skid Pro demo video to see the tree spade attachment in action!
What is a Skid Steer Tree Spade & Why Use One?
A skid steer tree spade is a game-changer for landscapers, nursery operators, and property owners who need to move or plant trees efficiently. Instead of struggling with manual digging or worrying about damaging roots, a tree spade attachment makes the process quick, precise, and stress-free.
How Does a Tree Spade Work?
A skid steer tree spade uses hydraulic-powered blades to cut into the soil and lift trees—roots and all—without damaging them. The spade forms a compact root ball, keeping the tree stable during transport and replanting.
Why Use a Tree Spade Instead of Digging by Hand?
- Saves time & labor – No more back-breaking digging!
- Protects the tree’s root system – Minimizes transplant shock.
- Creates a perfect hole for replanting – No guesswork involved.
- Works on different soil types – Handles everything from sandy to clay-heavy soil.
Whether you’re relocating trees, adding greenery to a new project, or replacing old trees, a skid steer tree spade makes the job easier, faster, and more efficient.
Why Spring is the Best Time to Plant Trees
If you’re planning to plant or relocate trees, spring is the ideal season to do it! Trees thrive when planted in the right conditions, and spring offers the perfect balance of temperature, soil moisture, and growth potential to help them establish strong roots.
1. Warmer Soil & Easier Digging
In early spring, the ground starts to thaw from winter, making it softer and easier to work with. This means:
- Tree spade blades cut through soil smoothly
- Less resistance when extracting root balls
- Better water retention for healthy root growth
2. Strong Root Establishment Before Summer
Spring-planted trees have several months to develop their root system before the summer heat kicks in. This reduces the risk of transplant shock and helps trees adapt to their new environment faster.
3. Moderate Temperatures & Consistent Rainfall
Unlike the heat of summer or the cold of fall and winter, spring offers stable weather conditions that trees love. With:
- Cooler daytime temperatures – Less stress on newly transplanted trees
- Regular spring showers – Natural watering for strong root development
- Less evaporation – Soil stays moist longer, preventing drought stress
4. More Growth Potential
Spring trees get a head start on growth because they immediately enter their natural growing season. This means:
- Faster adaptation to their new location
- More leaf and branch development by summer
- Higher survival rates compared to summer or fall plantings
If you’re using a skid steer tree spade, spring gives you the best chance of success—ensuring that trees grow strong and healthy with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use a Skid Steer Tree Spade for Tree Planting
Now that we know why spring is the best time for tree planting, let’s get into the step-by-step process of using a skid steer tree spade to move trees efficiently and safely.
Whether you’re relocating trees on your property or planting new ones, following these steps will ensure a smooth and successful transplant.
Step 1: Choose the Right Tree Spade
Not all tree spades are the same! Choosing the right one depends on:
- Tree Size: Measure the tree trunk diameter—this determines the correct spade size.
- Root Ball Size: A general rule is to have a spade that cuts at 10 inches of root ball diameter per inch of trunk diameter.
If you’re unsure, check with your tree spade manufacturer or supplier (like Skid Pro) to get the best fit for your job.
Step 2: Prepare the Planting & Extraction Sites
Before moving a tree, both the current and new locations need to be prepped.
At the Extraction Site:
- Water the tree a day before digging to keep soil moist and roots intact.
- Remove any rocks, debris, or obstacles around the base of the tree.
- Mark the area where the spade blades will enter to ensure proper alignment.
At the New Planting Site:
- Choose a location with proper sunlight and drainage.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the extracted root ball.
- Loosen the soil at the base of the hole to promote root penetration.
If the new location has compact soil, consider mixing in compost or organic matter to improve soil aeration.
Step 3: Position & Operate the Tree Spade
- Align the tree spade properly around the trunk. Ensure all blades are equidistant from the base.
- Lower the blades slowly and evenly into the soil using the skid steer’s hydraulic controls.
- Gently squeeze the blades together to form a secure root ball.
- Lift the tree carefully—avoid jerky movements to prevent root damage.
If the tree spade struggles to cut through the soil, double-check blade sharpness and ensure even hydraulic pressure.
Step 4: Transport the Tree Safely
Once the tree is lifted, it’s time to move it to its new location.
While Transporting:
- Drive slowly to avoid root ball shifting.
- If moving over a long distance, wrap the root ball with burlap for extra stability.
Avoid moving trees on windy days—strong gusts can dry out exposed roots quickly.
Step 5: Replant & Stabilize the Tree
Once the tree arrives at its new hole:
- Lower it gently into the prepared hole.
- Fill the hole with soil, ensuring no air pockets are left around the roots.
- Water thoroughly to help the soil settle.
- If necessary, stake the tree to provide extra stability in windy areas.
Apply a mulch layer around the base (but not touching the trunk) to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Tree Spade
Even with the right equipment, tree transplanting can go wrong if proper techniques aren’t followed. To ensure your trees stay healthy and thrive, watch out for these common mistakes when using a skid steer tree spade.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Tree Spade Size
Why It’s a Problem:
- A spade too small can cut off too many roots, causing transplant shock.
- A spade too large can be difficult to maneuver and may remove excess soil.
How to Avoid It:
- Follow the 10:1 rule: For every inch of trunk diameter, the root ball should be at least 10 inches in diameter.
- Use the correct blade type based on soil conditions (cone, truncated, or modified spade).
If in doubt, opt for a slightly larger spade rather than a smaller one to preserve more roots.
Mistake #2: Not Preparing the Soil Properly
Why It’s a Problem:
- Compacted soil can make it difficult for roots to establish in the new location.
- Dry or overly wet soil affects the digging process and root ball stability.
How to Avoid It:
- Water the soil a day before digging to keep it moist but not muddy.
- Loosen compact soil at the planting site to encourage root penetration.
- If the soil is too sandy or poor in nutrients, mix in organic matter or compost.
Test the drainage of the new site by digging a small hole and filling it with water. If it drains too fast or too slow, adjust the soil accordingly.
Mistake #3: Improper Blade Positioning When Digging
Why It’s a Problem:
- Misaligned blades can damage the tree’s roots or fail to create a stable root ball.
How to Avoid It:
- Ensure the tree is centered between the blades before digging.
- Operate the hydraulics slowly and evenly to prevent root tearing.
Mark the spade blade positions before digging to ensure alignment.
Mistake #4: Moving the Tree Too Fast or Too Roughly
Why It’s a Problem:
- Sudden movements can loosen the root ball, causing root damage.
- Excessive vibrations can stress the tree and lead to transplant failure.
How to Avoid It:
- Drive slowly and steadily when transporting the tree.
- If moving long distances, wrap the root ball in burlap for extra support.
Avoid moving trees on extremely windy days, as exposed roots dry out quickly.
Mistake #5: Skipping Proper Aftercare
Why It’s a Problem:
- Newly transplanted trees need extra care to establish successfully.
- Lack of watering, mulching, or staking can lead to tree stress or death.
How to Avoid It:
- Water deeply right after transplanting and continue regularly.
- Add 2-4 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture (but keep it away from the trunk).
- Stake the tree if needed, especially in windy areas.
Use a root growth stimulator to help the tree establish faster.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a successful tree transplant with your skid steer tree spade—saving time, effort, and keeping your landscape thriving.
Expert Tips for a Successful Spring Tree Planting
Using a skid steer tree spade makes transplanting trees easier, but proper aftercare is what ensures their long-term health. To help your trees thrive, follow these expert tips for watering, soil care, and tree selection.
1. Watering: The Right Way to Keep Trees Healthy
Newly transplanted trees need the perfect balance of moisture—too little and they dry out, too much and they can rot.
- Water immediately after transplanting to help the soil settle.
- Apply deep watering (slow and steady) instead of frequent shallow watering.
- Water 2-3 times per week for the first month, then adjust based on rainfall.
Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver slow, even moisture to the root zone without over-saturating the soil.
2. Mulching: Lock in Moisture & Prevent Weeds
Mulch is a tree’s best friend! It regulates soil temperature, retains moisture, and reduces weeds.
- Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch (wood chips, bark, or straw) around the base.
- Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pests.
Avoid using fresh grass clippings or sawdust as mulch, as they can deplete nitrogen from the soil.
3. Choose the Right Trees for Spring Planting
Some trees adapt better than others when transplanted in the spring.
Best Trees to Transplant in Spring:
- Deciduous Trees (Maple, Oak, Elm, Ash) – Lose leaves in winter, reducing transplant shock.
- Small Evergreens (Pine, Spruce, Cedar) – Handle Spring transplants well with proper watering.
Avoid Transplanting in Spring:
- Large Evergreens – More susceptible to drying out in the warmer months.
- Fruit Trees in Full Bloom – Best to transplant before they start flowering.
If transplanting in late spring, provide temporary shade for the first few days to prevent sun stress.
4. Improve Soil Quality for Faster Root Growth
Healthy trees start with healthy soil. To help roots establish quickly:
- Add organic compost to boost nutrients.
- Avoid compacted soil—loosen it before planting.
- Test soil pH levels (6.0-7.0 is ideal for most trees).
Use mycorrhizal fungi (a natural root booster) to help trees absorb nutrients more efficiently.
By following these expert tips, you’ll set your transplanted trees up for long-term success—helping them grow strong, healthy, and vibrant in their new home.
Plant Smarter This Spring with a Skid Steer Tree Spade
Spring is the perfect time to plant or relocate trees, and using a skid steer tree spade makes the process easier, faster, and more efficient. With the right equipment, techniques, and aftercare, your trees will thrive in their new home.
Quick Recap: Key Takeaways
Spring is the best time for tree transplanting due to ideal soil conditions and growth potential.
- A skid steer tree spade protects root health and speeds up the process.
- Avoid common mistakes like using the wrong spade size or skipping aftercare.
- Proper watering, mulching, and soil prep ensure long-term tree health.
- Troubleshooting tips help you overcome common tree spade challenges.
Want to see a tree spade in action? Check out Skid Pro’s demo video to watch how their tree spade attachment makes tree transplanting a breeze!
Looking for the best skid steer attachments? Visit Skid Pro’s website to explore their full range of high-quality skid steer tools for landscaping projects.