How to Transport a Tree
Purchasing trees can prove challenging because of their size. Many retailers can deliver a tree to your home (and some will also plant it for you), but that option isn’t always available. If you need to transport a tree home in a vehicle, here are some considerations to keep in mind.
Think Ahead
If your vehicle is not large enough to transport the size of tree you’re thinking of purchasing, look into borrowing or renting one that will accommodate your needs. To that end, you should have a general idea of what size tree you’re going to purchase before heading out. Of course it’s possible to buy a tree that is just a few feet tall or even smaller, but trees grow relatively slowly, so many people prefer to purchase one as large as they can reasonably afford and transport.
How to Protect a Tree in Your Vehicle
Depending on the type of vehicle and the size of your trees, you can either transport them horizontally or vertically. If they will be traveling horizontally, it’s a good idea to bundle leaves and branches together to minimize the chances of them breaking. If the nursery hasn’t wrapped the trees for you already, you could use a garbage bag, old bed sheets, bubble wrap, or just twine to hold branches in place. If you are transporting the tree vertically, make sure that it is braced firmly in place and won’t be knocked against any other items or the side of your vehicle.
It’s also a good idea to secure the pot so that soil doesn’t spill out during the trip. A plastic bag can be used to cover the entire top of the soil (garden tape or rubber bands help keep it in place), or you could use some cardboard cut to size and secured with tape.
How to Treat a Tree That Was Shipped From Somewhere Else
If you purchase a tree from elsewhere, you will not be able to control the treatment it receives in transit. If you can find the tree you want locally, this is generally the best option. Your tree can suffer from shock due to extreme temperatures and being in the dark for an extended period of time, so buying by mail increases the likelihood of problems once your tree is planted.
However, some people don’t have the luxury of buying a tree in person and need to order one to be shipped to them. If this is your situation, never fear — there are some steps you can take to minimize the stress on your new tree.
First, take your new tree out of its box as soon as it arrives. Inspect it for damage, insects, or any other signs that it is unhealthy. Water if necessary. Then keep your tree inside for at least two days in a bright location that is out of direct sun. After that, you can start acclimating it to direct sun by moving it outside for longer periods over the next few days. Then it will be ready for planting.