Hi Barb:

I *think* that bottlebrush tree is deciduous, right? If so, then you would be much better off waiting til the tree drops its leaves. Then, you want to dig as much of the root mass as possible. The very fine feeder roots are the ones that you really need to save.

I have read that it helps to cut the main roots on one section of the tree several months before moving it. This will help spread out the trauma to the roots over a longer time, so the tree has a chance to get used to having fewer roots. You would cut the rest of the roots when it is time to actually move the tree.

Good luck!

Dan

I can think of at least two plants with that common name, with very different characteristics.

Do you mean bottlebrush buckeye, aesculus parviflora,

http://www.gwf.org/bottlebrushbuckeye.htm

or

bottlebrush bush Callistemon (an Australian shrub common a bit farther South)?

http://farrer.riv.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/jpg/931630a.jpg

That may make a difference, though Dan's general guidance is spot-on...

Lynn