Is It Too Late for Tree Moving? The December Reality Check
Swantech Industries
December 1, 2025
A month ago, we talked about why fall is the ideal time for moving trees. Now it’s December, and you might be wondering: “Did I miss my chance?”
The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no.
The Honest Truth About December Tree Moving
Here’s what’s happening right now across North America:
Western Canada: Ground frost is setting in. Tree moving is wrapping up for the season.
Southern Ontario & Eastern Canada: Some areas still have workable ground. A few more weeks might be possible.
Northern US States: Similar to Canada – it depends on your specific location and recent weather.
Southern US States: Trees are dormant, ground is workable. This is still prime moving season.
The Two-Year Wait (And Why It Matters)
Recently, I heard from someone in their area who waited two years to rent a tree spade. Two years of looking at trees in the wrong spots. Two years of planning and waiting.
When the rental company finally had availability, they got one day. One single day to move every tree they’d been planning for 24 months.
Talk about pressure.
Are you ready for whenever you do move trees? Because waiting for the “perfect” moment – or the “perfect” rental availability – might mean years of delay.
But Here’s What Most People Don’t Understand
Everyone focuses on timing – fall vs. spring vs. summer. But here’s the truth experienced tree movers know:
Trees can be successfully moved any time of year.
Yes, dormancy makes it easier. Yes, cooler weather reduces stress. But with the right equipment and proper aftercare, trees survive moves in summer, fall, winter (where possible), and spring.
The Real Secret: It’s Not Just When, It’s How
We’ve seen trees moved in July heat survive perfectly. We’ve seen trees moved in ideal fall conditions struggle. The difference?
Speed of the move – Quick, clean transplanting with minimal root disturbance
Proper watering – Consistent moisture after moving, regardless of season
Aftercare commitment – Monitoring and care in the weeks following the move
Right equipment – Clean cuts, proper depth, minimal trauma
A tree moved in “perfect” fall conditions but left to fend for itself will struggle. A tree moved in summer with proper watering and care can thrive.
The Dormancy Advantage (But Not Requirement)
Don’t get us wrong – dormancy does make things easier:
- Trees aren’t stressed by active growth
- Root energy focuses on establishment
- Less water demand
- More forgiving of minor mistakes
But dormancy isn’t a magic guarantee. And lack of dormancy isn’t a deal-breaker.
“I Thought I Needed a Bigger Tractor”
This is the most common misconception we hear. People assume tree spades require massive equipment – big tractors, heavy-duty hydraulics, major upgrades.
Then they see our 600-pound tree spade working perfectly on a compact tractor with 900 pounds of lift capacity, and everything changes.
One customer told us he’d been researching tree spades for years. Years. He kept putting it off because he thought he’d need to upgrade his equipment first.
When he finally discovered our lightweight design, his response was simple: “I can’t believe how easy this is. I should have done this years ago.”
Are you ready for whenever you do move trees? Or are you waiting because you think it’s more complicated than it actually is?
What This Means for You Right Now
If your ground is still workable: You might have a small window left. Check your soil – if you can dig, you can move trees. Just commit to proper aftercare.
If your ground is frozen: You’re planning for spring. And that’s perfectly fine. Spring moving works – our hazelnut orchard customer moved 150 trees in spring with 100% survival rate.
If you’re in a warmer climate: Your dormant season might extend into January or February. You have time.
The Winter Preparation Advantage
Here’s something most people overlook: winter is the perfect time to prepare for successful tree moving, whenever you do it.
Get Your Equipment Ready
If you’re planning spring moves, now is the time to:
- Get your tree spade ordered and delivered
- Familiarize yourself with operation
- Plan which trees are moving where
- Prepare new planting locations
No rushing. Don’t wait for rental availability. No pressure to do everything in one day.
Plan Your Aftercare System
Success isn’t about perfect timing – it’s about proper care:
- Water source and schedule
- Monitoring plan
- Mulching strategy
- Staking if needed for larger trees
The Year-Round Reality
Professional landscapers move trees year-round because they have to. They can’t always wait for “perfect” conditions. What makes them successful isn’t timing – it’s:
- Efficient equipment that minimizes root trauma
- Quick execution that reduces stress
- Committed aftercare that supports establishment
You can do the same. With your existing equipment.
So, Is It Too Late?
Maybe for this year. Maybe not. It depends on where you are.
But here’s what matters more: Are you ready for whenever you do move trees?
Whether that’s the last few days of this season, early spring, or even next summer – success comes from having the right equipment and committing to proper care.
Why spend another year looking at trees in the wrong spots? Don’t wait two more years for rental availability. Don’t put off your project because you think you need bigger equipment.
Ready to Be Prepared?
Our 26″ Kompact Tree Spade gives you the efficiency and clean cuts that make tree moving successful in any season. It works with the equipment you already own. And every customer tells us the same thing: “I can’t believe how easy this is.”
Contact Swantech Industries: www.swantechindustries.ca
The best time to move a tree is when you’re properly prepared to care for it.