Should I Remove or Replant My Uprooted Tree?

One day, it’s your favourite shade tree. Next, it’s lying sideways across your lawn. High winds, heavy snowmelt, and soggy soil can send even healthy-looking trees tumbling overnight. 

It’s a jarring sight, one that raises the question we’re looking to address today: can an uprooted tree be saved, or is it time to let go?

Not every fallen tree is a lost cause, but not all of them can (or should) be replanted either. Let’s walk through how you make that call, what factors matter most, and whether saving a tree is actually worth it.

Photo credits to pexels.com

Factors That Affect Whether an Uprooted Tree Can Be Saved

1. Extent of Root and Trunk Damage

The first, and often most critical, factor is the condition of the root system and trunk. If more than 50% of the roots are severed, or the trunk has visible cracks or splitting, the tree’s long-term survival chances are slim. 

Trees rely on their roots not just for anchoring, but for water and nutrient absorption. If too many are damaged, recovery is unlikely.

However, if the tree has tipped from the surface with its root plate mostly intact, it may be a candidate for replanting, especially if the trunk and main limbs are unharmed. 

Look for signs like exposed roots, broken branches, or deep trunk wounds. These will help determine if recovery is worth it.

2. Tree Size, Species, and Age

Not all trees respond to stress in the same way. Young, flexible trees with smaller root systems are often much easier to replant successfully than large, mature specimens. They recover faster, establish more easily, and can adapt better to being repositioned.

Tree species matter, too. Shallow-rooted trees like poplars or willows often don’t handle upheaval well, even if the damage seems minor. In contrast, deep-rooted species like ash or spruce stand a better chance if the root ball remains mostly intact. 

Age too plays a role. Older trees have slower healing rates, making them more vulnerable to rot or infection after trauma.

3. Safety Risks and Hazards

If your uprooted tree is leaning against a structure, tangled in power lines, or blocking a public path, the safest choice is often removal. Even if the tree looks stable, internal fractures or underground root breakage can cause it to shift or fall without warning.

Large trees, in particular, pose significant safety hazards if mishandled. Attempting to replant a partially uprooted 20-foot spruce on your own? That’s a no-go. 

These jobs require trained professionals with the right tools and safety protocols, ideally ISA-certified arborists.

4. Soil Condition and Site Stability

Even if a tree seems like a candidate for replanting, the condition of the soil could be a deal-breaker. If the surrounding soil is waterlogged, compacted, or eroding, the tree won’t be able to re-establish itself effectively. 

And if drainage issues or wind exposure contributed to the fall, replanting without fixing the site first may lead to a repeat.

In cases where soil conditions are borderline, our arborists may recommend interventions like guy-wiring for support, soil amendments to improve structure, or grading the site to prevent future washout. 

5. Weather & Timing

Timing matters more than most homeowners realize. Trying to replant in the dead of winter or during a summer drought is a recipe for failure. 

Trees are best replanted in early spring or fall, when soil temperatures are moderate and the tree is either still dormant or not under heat stress.

Likewise, the weather around the time of uprooting can influence your decision. If the fall occurred after a major windstorm or heavy rain, conditions may not be stable enough for safe replanting. 

Waiting too long, however, can cause exposed roots to dry out or decay. Timing your recovery right gives your tree the best shot at survival.

6. Overall Tree Health Before the Fall

An uprooted tree that was already struggling with disease, decay, or pest damage is much less likely to recover, even if the root damage looks minimal. Watch for indicators like:

• Dead or thinning branches
• Fungus or mushrooms at the base
• Soft or hollow trunk sections

If the tree had poor structure or health before it tipped, replanting may only delay the inevitable. On the other hand, a tree that was healthy and growing vigorously before the event is more resilient and could rebound well with proper care.

7. Impact on Nearby Trees and Landscape

Sometimes saving one tree can create problems for others. A partially uprooted tree might disrupt nearby root systems, damage healthy plantings, or create crowding that limits light and airflow. 

If multiple trees are planted close together, saving one at the expense of several isn’t always the best call. Additionally, the fall itself may have altered the surrounding grade, drainage, or sunlight exposure, affecting other parts of your yard. 

An arborist can help assess the wider impact and determine whether saving the tree fits into your overall landscape health and long-term goals.

Replanting vs. Removal – How to Decide

When your tree’s been uprooted, deciding what to do next can feel overwhelming. Weigh your options:

When to Call a Professional

Uprooted trees, especially large or partially fallen ones, can be deceptively dangerous. Even if one looks stable, internal damage or unseen root breakage can cause it to shift or collapse without warning.

You should always contact a professional if:

• The tree is leaning on or near power lines or structures
• You see cracks in the trunk or main limbs
• It’s too large or heavy to move safely on your own
• You’re unsure whether replanting is worth it
• The root ball is exposed but partially buried 
• You notice fungus, oozing sap, or bark peeling, which could signal internal decay
• The tree is in a high-traffic area, near sidewalks, driveways, or public spaces
• You suspect underground utilities may be affected by the root system
• The fall damaged other trees or created instability in nearby soil
• You’ve already attempted to stabilize or replant the tree without success

When Trees Tip, Green Drop Steps In

Whether your tree’s doing a dramatic lean or is already belly-up on the lawn, you don’t have to guess your next move. 

Green Drop offers expert tree removal and emergency tree services across Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg. 

With a team of 23 ISA-certified arborists, we’ll assess the damage, weigh your options, and help you decide whether to replant, remove, or start fresh. Book your free assessment today and rest easy knowing your trees are taken care of.