This is the time to transplant dormant trees and shrubs. (San Antonio, Texas)

The problem is: I don't "get it" when it comes to dormancy in broadleaf evergreens, such as live oak.

I purchased a 5 gallon container mexican live oak, (quercus polymorpha) and had to remove a lot of roots. (Due to root girdling in container)

So, my container plant ended up becoming a "bare root".

But, some of the leaves are dropping, while at the same time new leaves are also growing.

So, what should I do:

Let the leaves drop?

Take leaves off?

Prune it? (removing leaf buds)

Cover my tree with shade cloth and mist it?

(These trees by the way are semi-evergreen, mature trees of this specie, exposed to cold will turn sometimes turn red and sometimes drop their leaves...the leaf dropping is more of a protective mechanism as opposed to a true dormancy)

I've been reading conflicting things about transplanting and pruning.

It used to be that you were supposed to prune after bareroot transplanting, but now I'm reading that the leaves should be left on...but if they're gonna drop, then???

Thanks a whole bunch!!!!