Parks and Recreation: Innovating Tree Removal

THE CHALLENGE

It’s no secret that Bloomington has a TON of trees! Did you know that Bloomington is recognized as a Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation? We’ve got a reputation to protect!

But what happens when a new sidewalk needs to be built in the path of a tree, or a mature tree is reaching the end of its life? How can trees be relocated without harming the tree or the human removing it?

THE IDEA

Tree spading has been a practice in the City of Bloomington for decades, and the City of Bloomington’s team of urban foresters are innovating tree removal to ensure the health and safety of people and trees! 

Arborists use a tree spade to lift an entire tree, including its roots and soil, out of the ground to replant the tree elsewhere. If an area is being developed that requires the expansion of a sidewalk or roadway, tree spading allows urban foresters to remove and replant the tree without cutting it down. But make no mistake, this work isn't a walk in the park – tree spading demands brawn and bravery.

Previously, the City’s arborists were moving trees as heavy as 600 lbs with carts that caused pain and fatigue. Parks and Recreation sought new methods that would make the job of arborists safer, more efficient, and more effective. Introducing… the Toro Dingo! After staff members witnessed the convenience and efficiency it offered other landscaping companies, they knew the Dingo was the real deal. After renting a Dingo a few times for a trial run, the City purchased their own Dingo in 2018.

THE COST

The Toro Dingo with its attachments costs $43,000 and was purchased through the City’s Parks and Recreation budget. The amount of time and labor saved as a result of this purchase has been invaluable for the City of Bloomington.

THE BENEFITS

The Toro Dingo allows urban foresters to remove and replant trees at DOUBLE the speed than before. Although the Dingo doesn’t do the tree spading itself, it allows for crews to be able to move the trees to a better location with greater ease and efficiency. This mini-skid steerer has reduced the number of potential injuries as well as opened the door to employing a wider array of people that may have been physically incapable of repetitive lifting. This piece of equipment can fit in a 48” gate and allows the arborists to work in areas where larger equipment cannot access. With a plethora of attachments at their disposal, arborists can employ the Dingo in nearly every aspect of tree care, making it the Swiss Army knife of tree removal and replanting.

“In this line of work, fatigue is how people get hurt. We’re trying to make the work easier for the urban foresters to increase efficiency and lower injuries.” - Haskell Smith