Does a Healthy-Looking New Tree Mean It Was Planted at the Right Depth

If a newly planted tree looks fine, does that mean it was planted properly? Not always. Most trees don’t die easily, and an improperly planted tree might still live to have a trunk that is 12” in diameter. Is your tree thriving, or just surviving?

The key to proper planting is to find the flare. This is the part of the trunk that is a little bit wider than the rest of the trunk and is the juncture between roots and stem. The flare becomes larger as the tree grows, forming a buttress that helps provide stability.

Trees that are planted too deeply (mulch counts here as well – do not use mulch volcanoes (MFY note: mulch heaped into a tall cone up against the trunk)), will form roots off the trunks. These roots do not provide stability, leaving the tree more subject to wind damage as it grows. These roots can also encircle the trunk, cutting off the flow of water and nutrients, subjecting the tree to increased stress during times of high heat, drought, and other extreme environmental conditions.

When planting a new tree, carefully dig around the trunk to locate the flare and that is what should be at ground level. You might have to remove anywhere from 2-8” of soil! Disturb the roots to ensure they grow out and not around the rootball. When planting, be sure the flare doesn’t end up below the soil level. Finally when mulching, use 1-2” of mulch only, and don’t mulch right up to the trunk, leave a couple of inches between the trunk and the mulch.

Improper planting is common, unfortunately. But plant your trees properly, and they will thank you for years to come.