From Ground: Begin with
watering the post oak plant about an hour before the transplanting process to make the soil removal easier. Make sure to dig a wide pit around the post oak using a shovel or a spade, ensuring the root ball remains intact. If the soil does not easily come free of the roots, work the spade or a gardening trowel under the root ball and pry it up, while ensuring not to damage the roots.
From Pot: Water the post oak slightly and then turn the pot sideways, hold the post oak close to its base and try to ease it out. You may need to slide a long knife around the inside edge of the pot to separate the roots from the pot.
From Seedling Tray: For transplants in a seedling tray, squeeze the outside of the cell gently and then lift it out without pulling on the stem of the post oak.