A pohutukawa on my property has been planted in a place where there is inadequate room for it to grow. How easy is it to transplant a pohutukawa and when is the best time?

Pohutukawa transplants well, although forward planning is required. It is best to attempt to transplant in winter. Firstly cut around the root ball – trench around the outside to the shape of the crown, then water the tree. Leave it for two or three months. This will allow for new fine roots to establish. Then carefully lift out the tree so as not to disturb the root ball and transplant it. Well in advance of transplanting the tree, dig a new hole and prepare it with compost.