(1) First, cut around the root ball with a nursery spade, slicing as deeply as the spade will allow. This cuts and shapes the upper part of the root ball.

(2) Next, cut around the root ball with the TBF Root Cutter. The Root Cutter’s blade starts slicing at the bottom of the cut made by the spade and passes under the root ball to complete the job of cutting and shaping its lower surface.

(3) The root ball should now be cut completely free of its surroundings and ready to lift. In this photo the TBF Grappling Forks have been inserted under the root ball to prepare it for lifting. The TBF Tree Lifter is being set in place and attached to the Grappling Forks.

(4) The Tree Lifter is in place and connected to the Grappling Forks. The tree is ready to lift.

(5) As the rope is pulled, the root ball begins to rise.

(6) The root ball is lifted completely clear of the ground. The surface of the root ball is accessible, so any projecting roots can be trimmed in preparation for wrapping the root ball.

(7) Burlap is in place on the root ball. Positioning burlap and baskets for wrapping is convenient, since the root ball can easily be raised again to allow repositioning of the wrapping materials, if necessary.

(8) The digging process is complete. The tree is ready to move to its new home.