From Ground: Water the koa thoroughly to dampen the soil. Use a shovel or garden fork to dig a generous distance away from the base to avoid damaging the roots. Gently lift and separate the plant from the surrounding soil while keeping the root ball intact as much as possible.
From Pot: Water the koa first to moisten the soil and make root ball removal easier. Tilt the pot sideways and tap the bottom or sides to gently loosen the koa. Ease the plant out, supporting the root ball, and avoid pulling on the stem or foliage.
From Seedling Tray: Moisten the seedling mix before attempting to remove koa seedlings. Use a dibber or a small tool to carefully lift the plant, including the entire root mass, to avoid damaging the fragile roots.