Comments on: Lophostemon confertus (Queensland Brush Box)

By: James Martens-Mullaly

James Martens-Mullaly — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:53:03 +0000

Nicholas,
Brush Box should grow in the area. The soil type will not be problematic, though you may want to protect a young newly planted specimen from repeated severe winter frosts if planted in an exposed location.

Regards,
James

By: Nicholas Bell

Nicholas Bell — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:24:18 +0000

I love the shape and foliage/December flowers of Brush Box, and am wondering if one would do well in the cooler areas of Victoria – Macedon ranges district? The soil is heavy clay, and if the region is suitable for a brush box what could I do to maximise its chances?
Thanks

By: Sharon Hertel

Sharon Hertel — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:12:55 +0000

Just putting in my two cents’ worth.. I have 4 of these trees on my council verge in Perth (we have a corner block). The amount of seed pod litter is troublesome as the public path curves under all trees – the pods get stuck in the wheels of prams and wheelchairs, and they are uncomfortable to walk on bare-footed, even on grass.

I am trying to sweep from the public path and perhaps use as mulch but I personally think these trees are not a good choice for street verges, or as a shady backyard tree for kids – the shade is great, but it’s ouchy walking under it. We removed another (a 5th) from inside out block due to rebuilding, it was a shame in some ways because they have an elegant shape and great for shade.

By: Gary Zenaty

Gary Zenaty — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 09:21:30 +0000

Thank you for your information.
Regards
G.Z

By: David Balsamo

David Balsamo — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 04:08:06 +0000

Thanks Gary for the post.

Our references would suggest that there is no difference. The species has a fairly wide natural distribution along the east coast of Australia from central NSW to Cairns, from the costal lowlands to the tablelands. Plant it above the high water mark and you should have no problems.

regards

David Balsamo

By: Gary Zenaty

Gary Zenaty — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 02:20:37 +0000

Dear Sir,
Is there a differance between a queenland box tree and a queensland box brush tree,also can i plant this type of tree near a breakish water river?
Thank you
G.Z.

By: James MArtens-Mullaly

James MArtens-Mullaly — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 23:52:53 +0000

Thanks for your query Marg,

Anecdotally, I have noticed with Lophostemon confertus, a slight increase in the amount of leaf drop around the time of new folige growth and flowering, though not of the volume you describe.

If the tree appears healthy in all other respects, that is the leaf loss was not accompanied by branch dieback and new seasons foliage is of normal size, colour and density, then in the absence of any obvious factors that may induce increased leaf drop, I can provide no further advice.

You may want to monitor the season’s foliage for signs of premature leaf loss. Dieback or leaf drop of this foliage would indicate a health issue.

Regards,
James

By: Charles Colgan

Charles Colgan — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 22:59:18 +0000

To: Marg
Have a look at my earlier post on 7 April 2010. I am on the far North Coast of NSW in the Subtropical Climatic Zone. Here the Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus) is in its natural environment and will grow to a height of 20 to 30 metres as street trees. They are referred to in botanical publications as an intermediate species that grow on the edges of rain forest where they attain a height of 40 to 50 metres.
The trees in my street shed leaves and fruit (that resemble nuts) almost all year round and as advised by a horticulturist friend, they are vigorous growers and are now 12 to 13 metres in height after 9 years. In your cold climate they would never attain a height of 30 metres and I understand that their use as street trees in Melbourne grow to only 10 to 15 metres. Bundaberg Regional Council in Qld only plant this species in parks or open spaces due to their rigid guidelines as far as distances that street trees can be planted from driveways, footpaths, sewer and water pipes, dwellings, kerb and guttering and street corners.

By: marg

marg — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:33:55 +0000

I have a box which is 7 years old and is about 6 metres tall. It has been growing well and has been very healthy. In the last 3 monthes it about half of all its leaves, though it has new leaves forming and is currently flowering. We don’t have possums in the area and there doesn’t appear to be any pest or disease. Is this a normal leaf drop in flowering or something more. We lived in Mt Beauty in the mountains of north east Victoria. It is very cold in the winters, but the tree has some protection against the worst of the frosts. Thanks Marg

By: James Martens-Mullaly

James Martens-Mullaly — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:23:20 +0000

James,

The removal of the lower limbs of street trees in my experience is undertaken for pedestrian and vehicle clearance. I am not aware of any evidence that supports the proposition their removal promotes a denser canopy. A denser canopy is usually promoted by increasing the branching within the canopy, achieved through tip pruning (pinch pruning) that removes the single terminal bud of a stem and stimulate the growth of lateral buds further back on the pinched stem thereby promoting branching of the stem.

Regards,

James