We are redeveloping our property and have been unable to design around our huge grass tree. We ideally want to transplant it to another location on the property so I am seeking opinions from Reddit on whether this can be done, any tips, has anybody successfully transplanted one this big etc. It measures approx. 0.6m diameter at the base and 2.0m tall (excluding leaves and flowers). Broom for scale. Location: Newcastle, NSW.
by jamrus241
12 Comments
They are transplantable, it’s done legally and illegally all the time. Not done it myself but this resource is worth considering> https://www.replants.com/planting-a-grass-tree/transplanting-instructions
i dont have advice, i just wanted to say that is an great specimen so youre wise to keep it.
move the house instead
Im sure you have the info but watering is absolutely crucial at first stages not to much not too little.
You’ll kill it. They have an extensive root system that responds badly to any disturbance
That xanthorrhoea is huge. Possibly over a hundred years old but hard to say. Mate be extra careful thats an old soul
Found on the net
*”Note that stress for the Grass Tree is minimized during transplantation by doing the following:
Dead leaves are cut off.
Green leaves are cut to 1/3 of its length.
Soil is dug up around the Grass Tree to minimize root stress.
The ‘spider web mesh’ of roots are kept intact and not disturbed.
The plant is moved to a container that contains the exact soil it came from.
The plant is watered with a sea-mineral solution such as Seasol.”*
For one that size, I would seriously suggest some mechanical help (bobcat, etc). I think moving as much of the original soil as feasible is crucial due to the bacteria around the roots of the plant.
Probably only a 50/50 chance, I’m afraid. You might want to employ a professional with experience in this area.
There are specialists who transplant these, they will need to dig out a very wide circle around it.
Absolutely get a professional team to move it, if you can’t afford to move it, sell it to the moving team. Worth a mint
Massive and expensive to move. Yes, it’s old but they are plentiful and probably cheaper to just buy a new less advanced one to replace.
There is ZERO way you can do anything DIY with that specimen.
Contact your local tree service professionals to come & give you a quote. In your case it’s the [Arboristnetwork](https://arboristnetwork.com.au/transplanting-and-relocation/). At the end of the day if you think the cost is too much – then there is always the option to sell it & make the removal someone else’s concern, while putting the money towards your new landscaping.
It is illegal to do anything with it (& im pretty sure that includes even moving it within the boundary of your own property) since the biodiversity act 2017 said that all protected species have to be inspected & tagged before anything else. You’d have to get a license from your local council (which is cheap i believe) to sell/move etc.
That’s why i’d get the pros in – they’ll handle all the paperwork if you want them to.
Thank you all for your input. I will do some research to see if there is a local company that specialises in transplanting. I am certainly happy to spend some money to safely transplant. We have certainly tried to design around it but it is in a very inconvenient location.