We moved and the house has a great bottle brush tree, in full bloom, but right up against the house. We want to transplant it, but not sure of how deep it is, and if it will do well if transplanted now, or maybe in the fall. Help!
Fall is probably the best time to move a bottlebrush. When it is not actively putting out new topgrowth. How large the root system might be depends upon the size of the bottlebrush and how long it has been in the ground. Generally, the roots will be in the top 12-18 inches of soil and extend out to the dripline (or further). You can start by digging a 6 inch trench all around at the dripline and then carefully digging down and toward the center. You will be able to find the root system as you dig all around the trench and down. Try not to sever any of the main roots (smaller roots are okay). Once you get below the root mass you should be able to pry it up with the aid of a couple of crowbars or even 2 by 4's. Hope the move goes well.
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