How do I safely re-locate a bottlebrush(Australian native) tree?

Question

I have a bottlebrush tree in my yard that has to be moved for renovations. Im unable to find any info on how to relocate it and at what time of the year would be best..I am in Southern NSW Australia.

Answer 1

You could do it now, still cool enough for the roots to re establish before it gets too warm. Not sure how big tree is, but just dig it out (as many roots as you can).  Put into pre dug hole for relocation.  Dont add fertilizer (Natives dont like it) but do water in well.

goodluck

Answer 2

Now is the perfect time to move the tree. It is going into spring over there not quit the end of winter. Make sure you have chosen your new spot for the tree and dig a hole at least 2 1/2-3 ft. deep-you said the tree was about 5' tall.  I would make it a perfect circle-you did not say how wide the tree is?  Fill the hole with water to see how fast it is absorbed into the ground.

Now go back to your tree, make a circle around the tree the same, measuring from the tree out, make a perfect circle, bottle brush trees have wide and sometimes deep roots.

Use a spade to start digging around your tree as far down as you can go, make sure you try not to cut the roots, dig under so that once you have finished the circle the tree will be easier to remove from where it is now.  You may need a few men to help with this depending on how big the tree is.

Take the tree to the new location and plop it in, make sure the roots are not damaged as you place it in the new hole, at this time we sprinkled some fertilizer in and around the tree, you do not have to but we did.  Cover your tree up and make sure you pat the dirt really well, we put more soil on top and around the tree at this time, water it and it may not bloom this year, ours did not, ours grew and did well but bloomed the 2nd year. Take care of it the way you normally would and it should start blooming again. Good luck.