I have all my trees in terra cotta pots right now, I want to exam the roots on these trees as soon as weather permits, which is a different thread topic. Are there any tricks to getting trees out of pots safely? Any tools I need that would make it easier? I plan to reuse the pots, so I would like both the pot and the tree to come out if it unharmed.

Seriously? Just turn 'em upside down. If the tops are tapered, jiggle slightly. Maybe poke the drainage holes with a stick if they're really stuck in there. If they aren't coming out easily something is wrong with the potting mix.

I figured this group would have some elaborate method to properly doing this. Is it best to have dry or moist soil? Thanks for answering.

Moist is easier to get out.

If you're talking about *huge* potted trees I have no idea, mine are all smallish. At that point I almost think it would be worth smashing the pot and getting a new one.

In my experience if the container is larer than ten gallons in size it would be a LOT easier if you have two people. One to hold the container and maybe work the rootball loose and the other to grasp the tree by its base to pull it out without wiggling it around much. Less chance of serious limb or root damage that way. Especially if it's a thorny specimen.

.....Alan.

All my trees are in 12' Terra Cotta pots. So getting them out alone and unharmed is not impossible, but hard.

I've never planted citrus in terracotta but I have with other trees. It just seemed bad all around. The edges dried out, water would channel around the edges and drain without really soaking the roots. They were also difficult to repot, as you said. I would soak them thoroughly, hold the base of the trunk with your hand, and turn upside down and shake. I would suggest trying a different kind of pot but I'm certainly no expect. My trees are in cheap-ish plastic pots from home depot.

Ive found that most plants in my area, AZ, do much better in Terra Cotta. They survive the heat and extreme sun much better than plastic. The Terra Cotta breathes and seems to prevent scorching of the roots through evaporation and since it also absorbs some moisture, over watering has been a lesser concern. I've done several tests with identical plants in plastic versus clay out here and the results are staggering.