Best way to Plant/Transplant Blue Spruce and other Conifers

[J.R. Services]

Looking to plant 125 blue spruces and other conifers that are approximately 7' in height and 30" in diamater at the bulb. Is there an auger bit large enough for this. Any other hints or tips are apprieciated.

[milkie62]

The biggest auger I have seen is 24".My tractor has a HD 14" auger and will accomadate a 24".It would be profitable for me to buy the bigger auger for that many trees.

[J.R. Services]

I found a 36" auger bit and a 30" spade. Can you use a 30" spade to plant a 30" bulb?

[mdlwn1]

Usually a 7' spruce is really a 5 footer with a long leader...so a 36" root ball isnt unrealistic. An auger is fine in tough soils, but you'll still need some guys with shovels to clean up the holes. A mini excavator also works well for a big planting.

[J.R. Services]

Just got the bid papers. Turns out we are unable to use skid loaders due to turf damage and 60 of the trees are going to be planted in the woods. Bulbs with be between 26-28", so we will be digging a 30" dia by 20" depth holes placing soil on tarps planting trees and then mulching 3-4" deep. Trees will be transported to planting spot by a compact tractor on turf tires. Any ideas on time per tree? Thanks

[land_scaper70]

Just did a job similar to yours, with two guys we planted 15 Norway Spruce,similar in size to yours, in just under 4.5 hours. I used a Massey Ferguson GC 2310 TLB. Owning the machine I charge for the first two hours up front that is for time to transport from shop to the job and back again. Than estimate the remaining time to do whatever work needs to be done. If you rent a Toro Dingo with an 30" or 36" auger and a pair of forks to move trees, charge for the rental cost.

[land_scaper70]

Did you ever get this job? How long did it take you?

[J.R. Services]

I did get the job. We start on monday.