Why November is Tree Moving Season (And You Still Have Time)

If you’ve been thinking about moving that maple tree that’s too close to your house, or relocating those fruit trees to a sunnier spot, you might think you’ve missed your window for this year.

Think again.

The Fall Advantage Most People Don’t Know

Here’s what experienced tree movers understand: while trees can be successfully moved during multiple seasons, fall offers some unique advantages that make it the preferred time for many professionals.

Why Fall Gets the Edge

When trees go dormant in fall, they’re essentially “sleeping.” This dormancy period creates ideal conditions for tree moving:

Reduced Stress: Trees aren’t actively growing, so transplant shock is minimized

Root Focus: Energy goes into root development instead of leaf production

Cooler Weather: Less heat stress means better survival rates

Extended Establishment Time: Trees have months to settle in before the growing season

The Temperature Sweet Spot

The ideal tree moving window is when daytime temperatures are consistently between 40-60°F, and nighttime temperatures stay above freezing. In southern Ontario, this often extends well into November, and sometimes even early December.

Success Stories Across Seasons

Our customers have achieved excellent results in both fall and spring moving. One customer with a hazelnut orchard moved 150 three-year-old trees in spring with a 100% survival rate – those trees were bearing nuts just one year later. The key wasn’t the season, but having the right equipment to do the job quickly and efficiently.

Your November Window is Still Wide Open

Right now, across most of Canada, conditions are excellent for tree moving:

Temperature Check: Most regions still have that ideal 40-60°F range

Dormancy Status: Trees are fully dormant and ready for moving

Ground Conditions: Soil is workable and not frozen

Time Advantage: Moved trees have 4-5 months to establish before spring growth

The Equipment Advantage

Fall tree moving is particularly efficient with the right equipment:

• Cooler weather means longer working periods
• Trees are lighter without full leaf coverage
• Ground conditions are typically more stable
• No pressure from rapidly changing spring weather

Don’t Let Another Year Pass

If you’ve been putting off that tree moving project, late fall might be your best opportunity this year. The trees are dormant, the conditions are right, and you have months for them to establish.

But here’s the reality – every day you wait, your window gets smaller. Ground freeze-up can happen quickly, and once it does, you’re waiting until spring.

Ready to Make Your Move?

Whether it’s relocating fruit trees, moving that shade tree that’s in the wrong spot, or clearing trees for a project, the time is now. Our 26″ Kompact Tree Spade makes it possible to move trees up to 2.75″ diameter quickly and efficiently – perfect for taking advantage of these ideal fall conditions.

Contact Swantech Industries: www.swantechindustries.ca

The best time to move a tree was last fall. The second best time is right now.