Instant Christmas Trees from
Shady Pond Tree Farm

Spade Lifting Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree shown in the picture is a 22-foot Leyland cypress-Leighton Green. This specimen tree is being dug by a 90-inch diameter tree spade in preparation for a 250-mile trip to its new home in a municipal square in west Louisiana.

Dropping Plug

The process of transplanting one of these huge trees is fairly simple but expensive. The tree spade digs the planting hole at the new location. It then carries the dirt, called a plug, to the location of the tree. The plug is dropped and will be used to fill the hole that remains after the tree is lifted.




Spade Shovels Open



The shovels are opened so the tree spade can back in to position and close around the tree.

Spade begins Dig








With the shovels surrounding the giant Leyland, the digging process begins. The shovels are lubricated with water and are gradually forced in to the soil. The plug is visible in the foreground of the lower right photo.

Shovels Down




Tree ready for transport














In the down position and secured the Leyland is ready for its long ride. To minimize windburn, transporting begins before daybreak in the fall of the year. This beautiful Leyland cypress will bring joy and Christmas tradition to an entire community.

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