Question
Around a tree (maple) in my backyard there are about 100 little seedlings growing. They are about 2 inches tall. How do I handle them to remove them and replant them? I did some research and then carefully dug some up getting as much of their roots as possible, dipped the roots in a rooting hormone (rootone) then planted them in sand inside peat moss disposable 3 inch planters. To my sadness watering them, even gently, just caused the sand to run out the bottom of the planters. So, the plants are not doing well.

I tried again only this time I mixed half sand and half soil (generic potting soil with fine mulch for water retention), dug up new ones from my backyard, treated their roots, then planted them. But even with less soil loss (some sand still escapes causing poor settling that exposes the roots) I am still seeing a fast decline in the health of the seedlings.

How can I have more success? Can I save the ones planted in the sand and in the mix?

Answer
Hi GreenNV,
Thanx for your question.  Just dig up the seedlings carefully.  Don't dip them in rooting hormone.  They have enough roots to get started.  Plant them in separate pots with good potting soil.  Keep them watered but not soggy.  You can put pebbles in the bottom of the pot to keep the soil from running out but still allow drainage.  I hope this helps.
Tom