Why Large Trees are Difficult to Transplant

Abstract

Southern magnolia trees from 1 to 5 inch stem diameter were evaluated for total stem surface area. The square inches of stem surface area show that a one inch diameter magnolia has approximately 580 square inches whereas a 3 inch tree has 5,200 square inches and a 5 inch tree has in excess of 25,000 square inches. This emphasizes the importance of stored carbohydrate reserves in the stems and roots prior to transplanting. The larger the tree the more critical the stored reserves and the demand for stored reserves immediately following transplanting. A schematic diagram of the sequence of events following transplanting is included.