Abstract: An apparatus for excavating and transplanting trees includes a plurality of blade assemblies mounted on the sides of a horizontal multi-sided frame for overlying and substantially surrounding an excavation site. Each blade assembly includes a housing within which a flanged blade and stem unit can be mounted for reciprocation to effect penetration of the excavation site, and a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly detachably affixable to the stem for effecting reciprocation of the blade and stem unit. Within each housing are mounted a plurality of rollers engageable with opposite sides of the blade thereof, a pair of guide blocks adjacent opposite sides of the blade flange, and a pair of guide bars on opposite sides of the stem, all cooperable to guide and maintain the blade and stem unit in an established path during reciprocation.