collecting advice please?

this is a really exciting opportunity for a novice like me. I would really appreciate any support and advice please.

The delightfull parks manager of coventry City Council has given me provisional permission (pending details) to collect a (what looks to my inexperienced eye) truly magnificent hawthorn. (sorry, no pictures yet)

It's in a hedge on the border of a small park. My concerns are that it's clearly been there for a very long time, the soil around it is very compacted and it borders a concrete pavement, so there's not a great deal of room to get at it.

I can provide some pictures soon, but some general tips on getting the bugger out under those circumstances would be gratefully received. For instance, how far do I need to dig around it to get it out safely? Do I just howk the tap root with an axe or shears?

Also, as far as potting it, do I go for depth or breadth of training box, or both. Is it best to put it in compost, acadama, or a mixture? When is the best time to do it? I'm anticipating march but not sure if I should get on with it now?

Hello Bobby. Get some pictures uploaded!!.
The first thing I would do would be to remove the turf and soil that covers the root base. Then work outwards to see how far the larger roots extend. If the soil is well compacted, the chances are it may have a compact rootball. If you see a lot of smaller roots in amongst the larger anchoring roots, you will be ok with a smaller rootball. The concrete edgeing may be a problem if the roots go underneath. Tools to take with you are, a roothook, folding saw, good loppers and a spade with a metal shapt if possible. Grafters spades are ideal as they are a marrow blade and full metal. They cost around £20.00.

This is the type of spade I mean Bobby. They are extremely good at cutting through roots and working in confined spaces. The one I have, has a steel shaft and handle.

thanks Will