best time to transplant saplings

[scalo]

I recently had an area cleared or some large white pines and would like to transplant some of the oak and maple saplings that are growing everywhere. What is the best time to do this and what is the best way to dig them up without damaging the root system. The saplings are maybe 2' to 4' tall. Thanks in advance for you help
Scott

 

[Rtom45]

You can still probably move those saplings now, although its getting a little late. It would be better to move them before they get leaves. Just take a shovel and dig around them. You don't have to dig too deep (maybe deeper around the oaks. Just use your shovel to slice all around the sapling, then pry it out of the ground. I would shake the dirt off, and use clean topsoil maybe with some compost or peat moss when you replant them. Don't put them back in any deeper then they were originally. Lots of water, but let the soil dry out between waterings. Maybe some miracle grow every so often.