University of Florida

Home > Planting trees > Planting hole size and configuration > Proper planting detail > Root growth following proper planting

Root growth following proper planting

proper planting diagram

When planting as shown above, roots are able to quickly grow into the bottom of the mulch and top several inches of landscape soil as shown below.

magnolia roots

Roots on this magnolia tree grew rapidly in the first year after planting. The top two inches of the root ball were positioned above the landscape soil. Mulch was placed against the sides of the portion of the root ball above the soil. Roots grew 8 feet from the edge of the root ball in the first year after planting. See: root growth several years after planting deep and planting correctly.