From Ground: Begin by watering the southern red oak to wet the soil. It makes it easier to remove the plant. Dig a wide trench around the plant using the spade or shovel, ensuring the trench is wider than the root system. Leverage the spade under the rootball and lift the southern red oak from the ground.
From Pot: Water the plant well to moisten the soil, making the removal easier. Grip the plant at the base and turn the pot upside down, tapping the rim on a hard surface if necessary to loosen the roots. Once the southern red oak dislodges from the pot, support the plant firmly but gently to avoid damaging it.
From Seedling Tray: Using a dibber or a gardening trowel, gently lever the seedlings out of the tray, careful not to tug or damage the tender roots or stem. Lift the southern red oak from the tray ensuring as much of the roots and attached soil come away.
