Since you have a decently sized clear area surrounding the trees, you can get by with just removing some of the soil surrounding the trunk to expose the root flare, rather than digging and lifting. Much better for the tree at this time of year as well. Once the root flare is exposed, keep that area surrounding the tree mulched Avoid covering at least 3" all the way around the trunk but keep the remaining soil covered with a good mulch to keep weeds away and conserve moisture.

Congratulations on your new home. I think it would be great to switch the location of the sectional. You'll have a better view looking out the windows. One side towards the door and the other on the wall with the picture. Leave the large picture on that wall but maybe lower it since the couch will be under it. Leave a walkway behind sectional on the door side For fire safety reasons. don't block the front door even if you don't use it. With the couch in front of it, the door will come across more like a window. Even if your family doesn't use it, other people will come to your front door. It is amazing what deals you can get at thrift and second hand stores. Sometimes very good lightly used quality pieces. the thing that will help bring your room together is a rug. It will help define that space separately from a dining space.

I have two different color Iresine (blood-leaf and chicken gizzard plant are two of the common names). When I see mine wilt then I know it needs a good drink. I cut two off, rooted them in Jiffy pellets and have the in a 10 gallon aquarium with a rex begonia and Philodendron verrucosum. One day I must take them out and put them in a pot. PS I doubt this is concrete but you never know. We have one for Halloween that is pretty heavy but then it is just a candle holder. You really only need a diamond bit if it is a glazed pot. A masonry bit is a lot cheaper and will go through concrete, cement, brick, etc. A hammer drill might make it easier too. The yellow one seems to be more robust than the red one. I have both in the same pot. Summer 2018.

You can grow almost anything there . I loive in Creston same basic zone. What is the black rectangle space is that going to be a patio? I think it would be helpful to show use in a scaled drawing exactly what the whole space will look like when finished .