Method Statement: Transplanting Mature Specimen Trees with Crane Lifts and Guy-Wire Stabilization – Method Statement

More than a static template

Unlike a downloadable Word or PDF template, this method statement is an AI-assisted editable starting point connected directly to a matching Inspection and Test Plan. Every section is structured, project-adaptable, and ready to export.

AI-assisted drafting — Customize every section with AI for your specific project scope.
Linked ITP — A matching inspection and test plan is generated alongside the method statement.
Multiple export formats — Download as a formatted PDF or editable Excel spreadsheet.
Editable starting point, not a final document — Review, verify, and adjust all content against your project requirements before use.

Static template vs. Quollnet workflow

Feature	Static template	Quollnet
Project-specific content	Manual fill-in required	AI-assisted customization
Linked ITP	Separate document, no link	Matching ITP included
Export formats	Usually PDF only	PDF and Excel
Structured sections	Free-form layout	13 standardized sections
Saved to your account	Local file only	Cloud-saved, reusable
Content accuracy	You verify everything	AI-assisted, you still verify
Cost	Often free but time-intensive	Free to customize and download

What you can customize

When you save this method statement to your account, every section becomes editable. The following 13 sections are included:

Scope — Defines the activity and its boundaries.
References — Standards, specifications, and drawings.
Responsibilities — Roles and accountabilities.
Resources — Labour, plant, and equipment summary.
Materials — Materials and compliance requirements.
Equipment — Tools and equipment details.
Prerequisites — Hold points and pre-conditions.
Method sequence — Step-by-step construction sequence.
Safety controls — HSE risk controls and PPE.
Environmental controls — Environmental mitigation measures.
QA/QC — Quality inspection and test requirements.
ITP — Inspection and Test Plan table (has its own page).
Attachments — Referenced drawings and documentation.

Why this method statement is used

This method statement is used to define and communicate the approved procedure for carrying out method statement: transplanting of mature specimen trees (root-pruning, crane lifting, oversized pit excavation, hormone root-drench, guy-wire stabilization, intensive monitoring) on site. It ensures the work is planned in advance, the correct resources and controls are in place, and all personnel understand responsibilities, sequence, quality requirements, and safety controls before work begins. It aligns site execution with the documented scope and acceptance expectations.

Who uses this method statement

This method statement is used by contractors, site supervisors, project engineers, QA/QC engineers, HSE officers, consultants, and client representatives. It serves as a shared reference for planning, execution, supervision, inspection, and approval of the activity on site.

When it is prepared and submitted

The method statement is prepared before the work activity starts and submitted as part of the pre-construction documentation package for review and approval.

Who reviews or approves it

The method statement is usually submitted to the client representative, consultant, resident engineer, or project management consultant for review and approval before the work commences.

Important approval note

This method statement is an AI-assisted editable starting point, not a pre-approved document. Before use on any project, all content must be reviewed and approved by the relevant parties (superintendent, principal contractor, or client representative) in accordance with your contract and project quality plan.

For example: if your specification requires a departure from a referenced standard, that departure must be documented and approved separately — this method statement will not capture that automatically. Always verify against your applicable drawings, specifications, and regulatory requirements.

Method statement content

Scope

Overview

This method covers all activities required to transplant mature specimen trees within the project site, including pre-assessment, phased root-pruning, utility clearance, lift planning, crane hoisting, transport, excavation of oversized planting pits, backfilling with engineered soils, hormone root-drench treatment, guy-wire stabilization, commissioning irrigation, protection, and a 24-month intensive aftercare and monitoring program.

Inclusions

Arboricultural assessment and tagging of candidate trees
Root-pruning program and interim care
Utility detection and protection
Engineered lifting plan and rigging arrangement
Crane lifting, transport and placement
Oversized pit excavation, soil improvement, drainage/aeration installation
Hormone root-drench and anti-desiccant application [If specified]
Guy-wire stabilization, trunk protection, and exclusion fencing
Commissioning irrigation and mulch placement
QA/QC inspections, testing, and records
Aftercare: watering, inspections, monitoring, and survival reporting for 24 months

Exclusions

Permanent irrigation network beyond immediate tree zone (unless stated)
Traffic diversions beyond the work zone
Night works (unless separately approved)
Removal of hazardous materials (if encountered)

Key Performance Targets

Tree survival ≥ 90% at 12 months and ≥ 85% at 24 months [Verify per project specifications]
Tree verticality tolerance ≤ 1% lean after guying
Immediate post-planting watering: 25–50 L per 100 mm trunk DBH, adjusted to soil moisture and climate [Verify]

References

Document Type	Reference / Number	Notes
Standard	BS 8545:2014
Standard	BS 3998:2010
Standard	BS 5837:2012
Standard/Guidance	ANSI A300 Pt.6; ISA BMP	Use alongside BS 8545.
Standard/Regulation	BS 7121; EN 13000; ISO 12480-1; LOLER	Jurisdictional verification required.
Standard	EN 13414; EN 1492; EN 13889
Standard	BS 3882:2015
Standard	PAS 100:2018	Or local equivalent.
Test Methods	ASTM D4972; ASTM D2974
Standard	ASCE 38-22; PAS 128

Responsibilities

Role	Responsibility	Name / Party
Project Manager	Ensure compliance with contract, standards, and HSE.	Main Contractor
Site Engineer	Maintain as-builts; manage inspection notifications.	Main Contractor
Certified Arborist	Authorize HOLD points; supervise critical arboricultural steps.	Specialist Subcontractor
Crane Supervisor	LOLER/ISO/BS 7121 compliance; issue lifting permit.	Main Contractor
Slinger/Signaller	Communication with crane operator; taglines control.	Main/Subcontractor
Operator	Safe operation, utility protection, shoring where needed.	Main/Subcontractor
HSE Manager	Ensure compliance with HSE plan and local regulations.	Main Contractor
Environmental Officer	Method compliance with environmental controls.	Main Contractor
Technicians	Record moisture, survival metrics; report defects.	Specialist Subcontractor

Resources

Resource Type	Description	Quantity
Labor	ISA Certified Arborist or equivalent with transplanting experience ≥ 5 years.	1–2
Labor	CS30/31 or local equivalent for pruning roots/branches.	1–2
Labor	CPCS/NPORS or equivalent; radio comms.	2
Labor	Certified operator for selected crane type.	1
Labor	Competent plant operator for pit excavation.	1
Labor	Set up and operate watering systems and monitoring devices.	2–3

Materials

Material	Specification / Grade	Quantity	Remarks
Topsoil		As required
Compost		10–30% of backfill by volume [Verify]
Woodchip		As required
Hormone		As specified
Anti-desiccant		As specified
Guy-wire kit		Per tree
Pipes, gravel, geotextile		Per pit
Wraps/guards		Per tree

Equipment

Equipment	Capacity / Type	Quantity	Inspection Required
Crane	As per lift plan	1	Yes
Rigging	Per plan	Set	Yes
Excavator		1–2	Yes
Water tanker	5–10 m³ [Verify]	1	No
Torque/tension tools		1 set	Yes
Soil test kit		1 set	No

Prerequisites

Approvals and Permits

Arborist approval of each tree for transplanting suitability (health, structure, species tolerance, size).
Lift plan approved by Appointed Person and HSE [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations].
Permits: lifting operations, excavation permit, hot/cold works where applicable, road opening (if transport via public way), chemical handling.

Surveys and Setting Out

Underground services clearance to ASCE 38-22/PAS 128 level per risk; trial holes where conflict is possible.
Mark tree protection zones (TPZ) per BS 5837; install exclusion fencing.
Set out new pit centerline and finished grade; confirm clearances to structures, utilities, and sightlines.

Seasonality and Weather

Prefer dormant season for deciduous species; avoid extreme heat (>30°C), high winds (>10 m/s), or saturated ground [Verify per arborist advice].

Root-Pruning Lead Time

Initiate root-pruning 3–6 months before transplant (species and climate dependent) to stimulate fibrous roots [Verify per arborist].

Ground and Access Readiness

Confirm crane standing area bearing capacity; install mats where required and verify ground bearing pressure calculations.
Confirm haul route, exclusion zones, signage, and traffic management.

Materials and Equipment

All materials on site with certificates; hormone/antidesiccant MSDS available.
Irrigation supply and hoses operational at new location.

Briefings

Task-specific risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) briefed to all personnel.
Toolbox talk on tree biology handling care and sling protection to avoid bark and cambium damage.

Method Sequence

Step	Activity	Description	Responsibility	Inspection / Hold Point
1	Pre-Transplant Arborist Assessment	Assess species, DBH, crown, health, defects, transplant feasibility; tag and photograph baseline condition; record DBH at 1.3–1.4 m height.	Certified Arborist	HOLD: Arborist sign-off
2	Utility Clearance and TPZ Setup	Scan/mapping to ASCE 38-22/PAS 128; install TPZ fencing and signage; define exclusion zone for crane and excavation.	Site Engineer / HSE	WITNESS
3	First Root-Pruning Cycle	Mark rootball circle. Typical preliminary rootball radius 8–12 × stem diameter (at 1.3–1.4 m) OR as specified by arborist; trench to 300–600 mm depth capturing structural roots; use air-spade/hand tools near major roots; backfill with friable soil/compost and water-in.	Certified Arborist / Crew	WITNESS
4	Interim Care Post Root-Prune	Irrigate to maintain root zone at 60–80% field capacity; mulch 50–75 mm depth; corrective pruning only if needed.	Aftercare Team	SURVEILLANCE
5	Second Root-Pruning/Undercut Prep (If required)	Tighten rootball per arborist instruction; prepare for final balling and burlapping; install burlap and wire basket if used.	Arborist / Crew	HOLD
6	Receiving Pit Excavation	Excavate oversized pit at new location: diameter 300–600 mm larger than rootball; depth to rootball depth so trunk flare sits 25–50 mm above finished grade; scarify base/sides to avoid glazing; install drainage layer where needed; provide aeration loop.	Excavator Operator / Site Eng.	HOLD: Pit inspection
7	Backfill Soil Preparation	Blend BS 3882 topsoil with 10–30% compost by volume; ensure pH 6.0–7.5 and EC within species tolerance; pre-moisten to friable state.	Environmental Officer / Site Eng.	WITNESS
8	Lift Plan Execution Setup	Confirm crane matting, radius, slew restrictions, wind threshold (stop >9–10 m/s [Verify]); taglines ready; exclusion zone set; toolbox talk.	Crane Supervisor	HOLD: Lifting permit
9	Hormone Root-Drench Pre-Lift	Apply IBA/NAA solution per TDS onto moist rootball to specified dosage. Avoid runoff to watercourses.	Arborist / Aftercare	WITNESS
10	Trunk Protection and Slinging	Wrap trunk with hessian/foam at sling contact areas; install wide textile slings and spreader as per rigging drawing to avoid bark compression; attach taglines.	Slinger/Signaller	WITNESS
11	Final Undercut and Ball Formation	Undercut to form rootball; secure with burlap/wire basket if used; ensure ball integrity; minimize time between undercut and lift (<60 min).	Arborist / Crew	HOLD
12	Trial Lift and Weigh	Take partial lift to verify balance; measure load via load cell; compare to lift plan; adjust rigging as needed.	Crane Supervisor	WITNESS
13	Transport and Placement	Lift, slew, travel (if pick-and-carry allowed) or set to transport; keep rootball covered; control with taglines; place tree in pit at correct orientation (prevailing wind and sun).	Crane Operator / Slinger	WITNESS
14	Backfilling and Watering-In	Backfill in 150–200 mm lifts; settle with water (do not compact). Maintain trunk verticality; keep soil off trunk flare; form watering berm.	Site Crew / Arborist	WITNESS
15	Guy-Wire Installation	Install 3–4 guys at 120–90° spacing; anchors outside pit, set at 30–45° to ground; use wide trunk straps with sleeves; tension to hold tree plumb without girdling; mark guys with high-visibility tags.	Site Crew / Arborist	HOLD: Guying check
16	Mulch and Irrigation Commissioning	Apply 50–75 mm mulch, keep 100 mm clear of trunk; connect aeration pipe; initial deep watering 25–50 L per 100 mm DBH [Verify]; check drainage.	Aftercare Team	WITNESS
17	Protection and Demobilization	Install protective fencing and warning bunting around guy area; remove surplus; tidy site; update as-builts (tree ID, coordinates).	Site Engineer / Crew	SURVEILLANCE
18	Aftercare and Monitoring	Watering schedule: weekly for Month 1 (or to maintain 60–80% field capacity), biweekly Months 2–3, monthly to 24 months [seasonally adjust]; inspect guy tension monthly; remove guys typically at 12–18 months [Arborist to confirm]; health inspection and pest/disease watch.	Aftercare Team / Arborist	WITNESS (monthly)

Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) – Safety Controls

Task-Specific Hazards and Controls

Hazard: Underground utility strike during pit excavation
Likely consequence: Electrocution, gas release, flooding, service disruption
Engineering/procedural control: SUE survey to ASCE 38-22/PAS 128; permit-to-dig; trial holes with vacuum excavation; maintain exclusion distances; hand-dig in TPZ
PPE: Insulated gloves (if appropriate), eye protection, safety boots
Collective measures: Barriers and signage; supervisor present
Inspection/permit/supervision: Permit-to-dig required; Site Engineer and HSE to verify marks [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations]
Hazard: Crane overturning or collision
Likely consequence: Fatality, major damage
Engineering/procedural control: Competent lift plan; matting and bearing pressure checks; weather threshold stop >9–10 m/s [Verify]; exclusion zone; anti-two block; clear communications
PPE: Helmets with chin strap, high-vis, gloves, safety boots
Collective measures: Barriers 360°; radio comms; taglines use
Inspection/permit/supervision: Lifting permit; Appointed Person/Crane Supervisor present; daily crane inspection
Hazard: Load (tree/rootball) swing or drop
Likely consequence: Crush injuries, property damage
Engineering/procedural control: Load cell verification; sling angle control ≥60°; use spreader bars; no personnel under suspended load; controlled taglines
PPE: Helmets, gloves, steel-toe boots, eye protection
Collective measures: Exclusion zone with marshals
Inspection/permit/supervision: Rigging pre-use check; competent slinger/signaller
Hazard: Rootball collapse during undercut
Likely consequence: Trapping, injury, tree loss
Engineering/procedural control: Burlap/wire basket support; limit time between undercut and lift (<60 min); staged undercut with shoring as needed
PPE: Helmets, cut-resistant gloves, boots
Collective measures: Exclusion zone; only essential crew in pit
Inspection/permit/supervision: Arborist HOLD point sign-off before lift
Hazard: Chainsaw/hand tool injuries during root pruning
Likely consequence: Lacerations, eye injury
Engineering/procedural control: Certified operators; chain brakes; no cutting above shoulder height; maintain escape route
PPE: Chainsaw helmet/visor, chainsaw trousers, gloves, boots
Collective measures: Delineated work area; first aid kit on site
Inspection/permit/supervision: Toolbox talk; equipment inspection logs
Hazard: Working near public/traffic
Likely consequence: Struck-by incidents
Engineering/procedural control: Traffic management plan; spotters; work during low-traffic hours where possible
PPE: High-vis, helmets
Collective measures: Temporary traffic control devices per local code
Inspection/permit/supervision: Traffic permit; supervisor oversight
Hazard: Chemical exposure (hormone/anti-desiccant)
Likely consequence: Skin/eye irritation, ingestion hazard, environmental contamination
Engineering/procedural control: Use per MSDS; measured mixing; bunded area; avoid spray drift; no application before rain
PPE: Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles/face shield, apron
Collective measures: Spill kit; eyewash station
Inspection/permit/supervision: COSHH or equivalent assessment; trained applicators
Hazard: Excavation collapse when entering pits
Likely consequence: Entrapment/asphyxiation
Engineering/procedural control: Avoid personnel entry; if entry required, keep slopes battered or shored; designate as confined space if criteria met
PPE: Helmets, boots; harness if required
Collective measures: Edge protection, ladder access
Inspection/permit/supervision: Excavation permit; competent person inspection daily
Hazard: Guy-wires as trip/impalement hazard post-installation
Likely consequence: Falls, injuries
Engineering/procedural control: High-visibility guards and flags; locate anchors outside walkways; signage; maintain tension
PPE: Helmets, boots
Collective measures: Barriers around tree dripline
Inspection/permit/supervision: Monthly inspections; records kept
Hazard: Heat stress/dehydration during summer works
Likely consequence: Heat exhaustion/heat stroke
Engineering/procedural control: Work/rest cycles; shade; hydration plan
PPE: Light, breathable PPE, sun protection
Collective measures: Cool water stations
Inspection/permit/supervision: HSE monitoring of WBGT index [Verify]

Environmental Controls

Soil and Water Protection

Preserve soil structure: avoid trafficking within TPZ; use mats; do not compact backfill; scarify glazed pit sides.
Sediment control: silt fences and inlet protection near excavations; keep runoff away from watercourses.
Dewatering (if required): discharge to designated area through sediment bag or treatment unit; no turbid discharge.

Biodiversity and Biosecurity

Nesting bird/roost checks within statutory periods; delay works if active nests present [Verify per local wildlife laws].
Clean-down of tools and machinery to prevent spread of invasive species and tree pathogens.
Dispose of arisings and contaminated soil per waste regulations; segregate green waste for composting where permitted.

Chemical Management

Mix hormones/anti-desiccants on bunded trays; prevent overspray; store chemicals in lockable ventilated cabinets with spill containment.

Noise, Dust, and Vibration

Limit high-noise activities to permitted hours; use low-noise saws where feasible; dust suppression during excavation; monitor where required.

Resource Efficiency

Reuse excavated suitable soil on site where compliant; minimize water usage with slow-release watering bags; select local compost/topsoil suppliers when practical.

Tree Protection and Heritage

Maintain TPZ fencing for retained trees per BS 5837; no storage, fires, or washout in TPZ.
If archaeology suspected during excavation, stop work and notify the Engineer immediately [Verify per project procedures].

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Submittals and Approvals

Arborist method statement and schedule; lift plan; rigging drawings; product data sheets (hormone, anti-desiccant, guying system); soil test plan; monitoring plan.

Materials Verification

Topsoil certification to BS 3882; field pH/EC checks; compost PAS 100 certificate; mulch specification; rigging certificates; crane certificates; torque tool calibration.

Dimensional and Process Controls

Rootball size tolerance: diameter ±5%, depth ±50 mm [Verify].
Pit size tolerance: diameter −0/+50 mm beyond specified; depth within ±25 mm relative to trunk flare elevation target.
Verticality: ≤ 1% lean post-guying.
Sling angle ≥60° (or per lift plan) and protected contact points.
Initial watering volume recorded; no fertilizer in pit unless specified.

Testing and Monitoring

Field tests: soil pH and EC; moisture checks; infiltration/percolation if specified.
Anchor torque/tension readings at installation and during monthly checks for first 3 months.
Survival and condition index at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 months; photograph from fixed points.

Records

ITP checklists, hold/witness point sign-offs, calibration certificates, daily diaries, as-builts (tree ID, species, DBH, coordinates), aftercare logs.

Acceptance and Handover

Arborist sign-off: correct placement, backfill, guying, irrigation.
Establishment period: 24 months unless otherwise specified; performance targets: survival ≥ 90% at 12 months and ≥ 85% at 24 months [Verify].

Attachments

Attachments and Supporting Documents

Approved Lift Plan and Rigging Drawings
Arborist Transplant Plan and Root-Pruning Schedule
Utility Survey Drawings and Permit-to-Dig
Receiving Pit Detail and Soil Mix Specification
MSDS/TDS for Hormone Root-Drench and Anti-Desiccant
Guy-Wire System Datasheets and Anchor Calculations
Crane Certificates, Rigging Registers, Calibration Certificates (Load Cell, Torque Wrench)
Soil Test Reports (pH, EC, Organic Matter)
Aftercare and Monitoring Plan Template
As-built Plan with Tree IDs and Coordinates

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ITP preview

The first inspection activities from the linked ITP for Method Statement: Transplanting of Mature Specimen Trees (Root-Pruning, Crane Lifting, Oversized Pit Excavation, Hormone Root-Drench, Guy-Wire Stabilization, Intensive Monitoring):

Activity	Inspection / Test	Acceptance Criteria	Responsibility	Record
Tree selection and baseline survey	Visual grading, DBH measurement, photos	Tree condition suitable for transplant per BS 8545/ANSI A300 [Verify].	Certified Arborist / Site Engineer	Arborist report, photo log
Utility clearance and TPZ fencing	Utility marks, fencing installed	Permit-to-dig issued; TPZ fence continuous and signed.	Site Engineer / HSE	Permit, inspection form
Root-pruning cycle(s)	Rootball radius, depth, clean cuts	Dimensions as specified; minimal damage; watered-in.	Certified Arborist	Root-prune log, photos

Showing 3 of 11 inspection activities. View full ITP →

Related Inspection and Test Plan

An Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) is available for Method Statement: Transplanting of Mature Specimen Trees (Root-Pruning, Crane Lifting, Oversized Pit Excavation, Hormone Root-Drench, Guy-Wire Stabilization, Intensive Monitoring). The ITP defines the inspection activities, acceptance criteria, hold and witness points, responsible parties, and records required to verify the work described in this method statement.

View the Method Statement: Transplanting of Mature Specimen Trees (Root-Pruning, Crane Lifting, Oversized Pit Excavation, Hormone Root-Drench, Guy-Wire Stabilization, Intensive Monitoring) ITP →

Frequently asked questions

Typically during dormancy (late autumn to early spring for deciduous species) to reduce stress. Confirm species-specific timing with the project arborist.

Generally 300–600 mm wider than the rootball with depth set so the trunk flare ends 25–50 mm above finished grade. [Verify per project specifications].

Hormone root-drench (e.g., IBA/NAA) can improve root initiation but is applied only if specified and always per manufacturer instructions.

Typically 12–18 months, removed once the arborist confirms stability and establishment. Duration varies by species, wind exposure, and soil.

Typical contract targets are ≥90% survival at 12 months and ≥85% at 24 months, unless the project sets different criteria.