By Barrypaul
United Kingdom 
Can anyone advise me on the best time of year to transfer a silver birch which has been in a pot for circa four years into a ground plot.So far this year i cant see any new growth but it was ok last year.
22 Feb, 2011
Answers
I agree with Bulbaholic - I would do it ASAP and 100% before end March as it will still be in dormancy. Going into April you may disturb the new growth.
They are strong trees, but will welcome it if you dig the hole double the width and root height. This loosens the soil and allows the roots to grow easier. If you have clay soil then having the tree elevated by a few centimetres above soil level will help. Some bark mulch under the tree is also good to look at, feeds the tree to use in future and insulates it.
22 Feb, 2011
Be sure to water it regularly over the next summer--it may take a while for the roots to reach the water table!
23 Feb, 2011
If it has been pot grown you can plant it out just about anytime, Barry. This would be a good time as it will be nicely settled in the ground before the roots start to grow again.
22 Feb, 2011