The instructions in Ken's April 5 12:15 post are generally very good. Only thing different from those instructions that you, dhi1971, will need to consider is the fact that you should not try to rootball the birches roots you dig up on the side of the oak tree. I mean if you follow those general instructions exactly you could end up damaging too many of the fine feeder roots on your nicely maturing oak tree that is growing only three feet away from your Birch. That is why I think it best you dig the tree immediately before it breaks dormancy. That way you can carefully remove the Birch tree's roots that you find have been invaded by the oak tree's feeder roots. Do that in a careful manner and that way any untangled oak feeder roots that you manage to prevent being damaged, and the roots that you damage which can still be saved with a little correction pruning, can also be repostitioned and filled back over with the dirt you had to remove to get out the Birch tree's bare roots on that side. Ken gave very good instructions for digging lots of trees in lots of conditons, but in your case you will be the only one who can tell how to handle getting the birch roots out that are on the oak tree's side. As long as your birch and oak trees are still dormant, be bold and do the best you can and make it your priority to do it now, if you have not already done the transplanting. Once your Birch tree is relocated and your oak's exposed feeder roots are respread and covered; simply, watch these two trees carefully in the summer and test the soil to make certain neither of them suffer from either too much water or too dry of conditons. Other than that, as long as the trees are planted in proper lighting exposure areas, then they should recover nicely in the growing season. You might find it beneficial to keep taking these watering precautions during the next 3 years of growing seasons, so they each have the chance to nicely re-establish both tree's roots that you will be disturbing this time when you dig and replant the Birch.

I find it hard to even grow grass beneath relatively young ones. I see river birches in many landscape situations planted less than 10 feet away from structures. I'm not recommending that you do this but like like most things in residential landscapes nowadays, it's more for instant gratification and curb appeal. Long term damage and removal many years down the line is overlooked. Knowing that for the cost of two ice cream cones, you could be creating a huge problem for a future homeowner simply because it was an irresistable deal. On the other hand, it will look nice in the garden and if you keep your eye on it and remove it when it starts to get too big then maybe you'll be satisfied. Personally I'd take it back to lowes. Get my $6 back, go get a couple of ice cream cones and then hit the nurseries looking for a more suitable tree to plant for the location that will be there for many future homeowners to enjoy rather than a liability. I look at birches the same way I look at willows. Messy, short lived, problem roots. Keep it a safe distance.

its not a time .. in z5 .. to worry about leaf loss ... it will be neked in a few weeks ... crimminey.. whaas had a frost last night.. per another post ... early leaf drop is usually a function of drought [or improper watering] or excessive heat.. or both.. to move beyond that.. in z5.. in late sept is a waste of mind power ... [but makes for a good post.. inquiring minds what to know.. lol] ken

Midorit, unfortunately the answers are not super exact. In general with new transplants over the winter if we somehow have a dry week I start fingering their dirt to check on their moisture levels. Your climate may vary so it is best to just check. Think of tree transplant survival in terms of percentages. If you plant 100 just above bare root size and do everything perfectly maybe 95% will make it IF they were handled right at the nursery and IF it is a transplant friendly species. Then go from there based on climate and your ability to keep deer away. We just can't micro-manage the situation to know more for each exact transplant.....I have been watching Star Trek recently, we need tri-corders to see underground!