Transplanting: Dry vs. Wet Root Ball?

I know the idea when transplanting is to have the root ball wet so all the dirt stays together, but from experience I found transplanting a very dry root ball is way easier. The root ball hardens and kind of shrinks in to create a gap between the pot and root ball, so just pull the main stem and it comes out nice and easy, no mess. And it all stays together. Anybody else agree with me? Or try it and share your opinion.

everybodys got there own tricks. iv'e worked as a gardener and you must water the plant first. then transplant and then water again. the way you say you'd have to be very gentle.

Never had any problems transplanting a dry root ball myself. Even transplanted them multiple times dry, no problem. Although I watered them right after...although I think this may be a case of you say potato, I say potAHto.

anytime you transplant ANYTHING, you should let the root ball dry. this will cause it to shrink and compact, so that the whole thing comes out easily, and goes into new dirt without falling apart (which wet transplants always do....)

widow man, try it dry, you'll never do a wet one again.

love, kp

i let my always dry up first so that the rootball is lighter and smaller, take it out dig it into new soil mix and soak it then once so that all the soil is wet and no dry pockets build up