Planting a Saguaro

Back in January five mature saguaro cactuses were relocated in our resort. I happened to see one go by on a truck, so I grabbed my camera and spent part of my afternoon watching the replanting of a saguaro in the dog park at the resort.

 The precious cargo was secured to the truck lift. 

Look at the bundle of its root system.

 Straps, fabric & metal protect it during it's journey.

 Two-by-fours were placed among the arms to protect them

from breaking off during the ride.

 A hole was being dug in the desert floor.

 A very hard desert floor...

All four tractor tires were off the ground during the 

last part of the hole digging process.

The truck was backed nearer the hole.

The lift was raised placing the cactus over the hole.

Once it was set in place, the crew began to unwrap

and remove the boards.

 

 One of the workers climbed to the top of the lift

and began to take out the boards.

 One down...several more to go.

 

It joined two other saguaro in the dog run.

I wonder if the dogs appreciate the new scenery?

"Harming a saguaro in any manner, including cactus plugging, is illegal by state law in Arizona, and when houses or highways are built, special permits must be obtained to move or destroy any saguaro affected."