Transporting Trees from the Nursery to Your Home

Trees are one of the largest investments you’ll make in your landscape - not only price-wise, but also size-wise.

Make sure your investment travels safely from the nursery to its permanent location.

Wrap the leafy canopy of deciduous trees and evergreens to prevent drying on the ride home. Wrap the trunk with fabric or carpet to prevent rubbing on the tailgate or trunk of the tree. And secure the tree in place.

Once you arrive home, ask for help removing the tree from your vehicle. Use a board to create a ramp and slide the tree out of the truck, preferably next to the planting hole. Or carefully lift and place the tree in a wheelbarrow and drive it over to the planting location.

And once the tree is unloaded, continue to handle it with care. Ask for help and always move the tree by the rootball, not the trunk. Your extra effort will be rewarded with a long-lived tree.

A bit more information: No wheelbarrow or garden cart? Take a look in your garage or shed for options. Put old wagons and dollies to work in the garden. Or tie a rope to an old saucer sled to drag plants, mulch and other heavy items from one area of the landscape to another.