One Year Anniversary of Historic Tree Transplant

LEAGUE CITY, Texas - June 21, 2013 - PRLog -- League City, TX 6/5/13 -- A historic, 400-ton Compton Oak tree that was relocated last summer is now thriving, according to the experts who performed the transplant. The Ghirardi Compton Oak, named for the Italian immigrant family who planted it over 100 years ago on land that is present day League City, was removed from its location at FM 518 and Louisiana Avenue last June. The tree was transplanted 1,500 feet away on land donated by the Ghirardi family, which has descendants still living in the area.

About the Ghirardi Compton Oak in League City, TX

Because of the enormity of its size, the Ghirardi Oak became the largest tree relocated in the state of Texas to date. Its dimensions encompass a weight of 518,000 pounds, a height of approximately 56 feet, and circumference that exceeds 13 feet around. The relocation project attracted a great deal of local attention, and was covered nationally by Smithsonian Magazine.

The viability of the Ghirardi Compton Oak initially became a concern when a street widening project threatened its existence. After a grass roots campaign was launched to have it moved to a new location, League City approved the initiative and awarded the project to a national tree removal contractor.

Who Moved the Compton Oak?

After weeks of deliberation, League City officials hired Hess Landscape Construction to perform the landmark relocation. The company has transplanted trees throughout the United States and abroad, with a portfolio that includes successful relocations throughout Texas, California, New York, Florida, Hawaii, Canada and Asia. To ensure consistency and quality, company president Erik Hess utilizes an exclusive crew of workers to perform large tree relocations. “We bring the same crews on every job, so the level of experience is unmatched,” he said.

The Tree is Thriving

The Compton Oak is now thriving as Hess and his team provide for its post-transplant care. “We do liquid fertilization applications on a quarterly basis, with an extra spring application,” Hess said. “Based on soil testing and other factors, we supplement the soil with minerals as needed and adjust the irrigation as necessary. We will work with the city for years to come, to reinforce the post-care philosophy that our company upholds.” Researchers from the Texas A&M Agriculture Department are also participating in the post-care monitoring process, and regularly contact Hess to discuss the tree’s well-being.  

The League City Compton Oak Transitions to a New Environment

Regarding the Ghirardi Oak’s easy transition to its new environment, Hess credits his company’s unique encapsulation method of tree removal. “Our method ensures that the tree’s root ball isn’t compromised; there is no fracturing of the roots at all, because we are digging them out by hand. We also perform visual inspections all the way through the root ball to make sure it stays intact.” According to Hess, other tree transplanting services use a steel pipe to pry trees out of the ground, which puts tree structures at risk of tearing.

Hess, who travels from California to personally inspect the tree on a regular basis, is also pleased to see local reaction to the success of the project. “The tree has pushed out new foliage that is wonderful; it is beyond our expectations,” he said. “Every time I go to League City, I’m greeted warmly by city officials and locals. It’s a great feeling to know we made a difference, and we are getting more projects in the Houston area because of this tree’s success.”

Maintaining a Long Term Commitment

No matter what projects his company takes on in the future, Hess remains committed to monitoring the care of the historic Ghirardi Compton Oak in League City. “This is a living, breathing thing,” he said. “Unlike a standard construction project, it’s not a concrete wall where you can walk away after you check off a punch list. You must care for it years after everyone else has left and moved on.”