What to Do if a Tree is Planted Too Deep

Planting a tree is an act of love for nature that requires care and attention, but even the most experienced gardeners and landscapers can make a mistake sometimes. One of the most common mistakes when planting a tree is planting it too deep. If your tree is planted too deep, it can experience a range of problems that can eventually lead to its death. In this article, we'll discuss what you can do if a tree is planted too deep.

Identifying that the Tree is Planted Too Deep

Before you start taking any action, it's crucial to determine whether the tree is planted too deep. There are a few signs that can help you identify this issue:

The base of the trunk is covered by soil or mulch

The roots don't spread out horizontally at the surface

The tree is not growing as vigorously as it should be

The tree is leaning to one side

The bark is damp or discolored near the base of the trunk

If you notice any of these signs, it's likely that the tree is planted too deep and needs your help.

How to Fix the Problem

The good news is that planting a tree too deep is a relatively easy problem to fix if caught early. Here are the steps you can take to save your tree:

Expose the Base of the Trunk: Use a shovel or rake to gently remove the soil and mulch around the base of the trunk until the root flare is visible. The root flare is the area where the trunk widens and the roots start to spread out.

Remove Excess Soil: Carefully remove the soil that is covering the root flare and expose the surface roots. Avoid damaging the roots as much as possible.

Prune Damaged Roots: If any of the roots are damaged or broken, use a pruning saw or a pair of sharp hand pruners to remove them. This will prevent rot and disease from spreading to the rest of the tree.

Refill the Hole: Fill the hole around the base of the trunk with soil, leaving the root flare exposed.

Water the Tree: Water the tree thoroughly to help it settle into the new position and recover from any damage or stress. Water the tree once a week during the growing season or as needed during dry periods.

Add Mulch: Once the tree is planted correctly, add a layer of organic mulch around the base, being careful to keep it away from the trunk. The mulch will help retain moisture in the soil and provide nutrients to the roots.

Preventing the Problem in the Future

To prevent this problem from happening again in the future, make sure you follow these steps when planting a tree:

Ensure the hole is dug wider than the root ball and only as deep as the root ball

Make sure the root flare is visible when the tree is planted

Use a good quality planting mix or soil to help support the roots

Water the tree immediately after planting to help it settle into the new location

Add mulch around the base of the tree, being careful to keep it away from the trunk

Conclusion

Planting a tree is a wonderful way to beautify your space and show love for nature. However, even simple mistakes, like planting a tree too deep, can have devastating consequences for the tree's health and longevity. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help save your tree and ensure it thrives for years to come.