Question
I live in Orange County in Southern California and want to transplant a Japanese Acer from a pot to the ground - when is the best time of year to do this?  It's leaves are currently turning brown and starting to drop. Thank-you.

Answer
The best time is after the hardwood tree in the area have lost their leaves. Dig the hole twice the size of the pot and fill with good top soil or potting soil. Plant so that the top of the soil in the pot is at ground level. Mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk. This will help hold moisture around the roots.