How to Correct a Tree Planted Too Deep

Planting trees can be a rewarding and environmentally conscious activity. However, sometimes trees are planted too deep, creating problems with their growth and development. If you notice that your tree trunk is buried under soil, there are a few steps you can take to correct the problem.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

The first step to correcting a tree planted too deep is to assess the situation. Carefully dig around the trunk of the tree to uncover the root flare. The root flare is the area where the trunk flares out into the roots. If you cannot see the root flare, the tree is probably planted too deep. If the roots are circling around the trunk, this is also a sign of being planted too deep.

Step 2: Remove Soil

Once you have determined that the tree is planted too deep, it is time to remove excess soil. Remove soil until the root flare is exposed. Do this gently and carefully so as not to damage the tree roots. If the tree is particularly large, you may need to use a small backhoe or tractor to remove excess soil. Keep in mind that roots need access to air and water to grow and be healthy. Too much soil will suffocate the roots and lead to poor tree health.

Step 3: Prune Roots

Once you have exposed the root flare, you may need to prune some of the roots if they are circling around the trunk. Gently untangle the roots and cut any that are tightly wrapped around the trunk. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to make a clean cut. Pruning the roots will encourage the tree to develop new, healthy roots that will grow outward rather than circling around the trunk.

Step 4: Fill with Soil

After pruning the roots, it is time to fill in the hole around the tree trunk with fresh soil. Be sure to use good quality soil that is well-draining. Fill the hole until the root flare is level with the ground. Be careful not to overfill the hole, as this can lead to the soil becoming overly compacted and having a negative impact on the tree's growth.

Step 5: Water

Finally, it is important to water the tree thoroughly after correcting it. You want to make sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Water the tree deeply, saturating the soil around the roots. This will help the tree to establish new roots and recover from being planted too deep.

In conclusion, correcting a tree that has been planted too deep requires patience and care. By following the steps outlined above, you can help your tree grow and thrive for many years to come.