Incorrect planting depth is one of the leading causes of tree loss in the first few years after planting. Plant a tree too shallow, and the roots dry out and destabilize the trunk. Plant it too deep, and the bark suffocates, the roots rot, and the tree dies before it ever takes hold.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how deep to plant a tree based on the soil conditions, root ball size, and root flare placement. If you need tree services in Arcata, CA, contact Forestscapes LLC to schedule a planting consultation.
Why Planting Depth Determines Whether a Tree Survives or Not
The root flare is where the trunk spreads outward at the base and begins to form the root system, and it needs to sit at or above soil level. Burying the root flare breaks down the bark beneath the soil line, kills the vascular tissue that carries water and nutrients, and slowly starves the tree from the base up.
Arcata’s heavy clay soils make this problem worse because they hold moisture for long periods, and buried bark sitting in wet soil breaks down faster than bark buried in sandy or loamy ground.
How Deep To Dig a Hole for a Tree Based on Root Ball Size
The easiest way to determine the correct depth is to measure the root ball from the bottom to the point where the root flare begins, then dig the hole to that exact depth. A hole dug deeper than the root ball leaves space beneath it that fills with loose soil, which compacts over time and pulls the tree below grade as it settles.
If you want to know who to hire for tree planting in Arcata, CA, a certified arborist will use the best practices for tree planting depth specific to your site conditions.
Proper Tree Planting Depth Guidelines
The following proper tree planting depth guidelines cover what to do before and during planting:
- Dig the hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper than the root ball’s height.
- Set the tree in the hole and check that the root flare sits at or just above the surrounding soil line.
- Remove burlap, wire baskets, and container material before backfilling, since leaving them in place restricts root spread.
- Backfill with the native soil you removed, not amended soil, so the roots learn to grow into the existing ground.
- After backfilling, water the root zone slowly and deeply to settle the soil without compacting it around the roots.
If you need help determining the correct depth for planting a tree, contact the professionals at Forestscapes LLC.
Call Forestscapes LLC To Schedule Tree Planting Services in Arcata, CA
So, how deep should you plant a tree? Set the root flare at or just above grade, dig the hole wide, and match the hole depth to the root ball height. Contact us at Forestscapes LLC by calling (707) 382-8702 to schedule a planting consultation and get your tree in the ground the right way.
