Home > Root growth > Root depth in landscape > Roots responding to planting depth
Roots responding to planting depth
Roots on trees planted too deeply grow up toward the soil surface as shown in the photo at right. This defect can lead to an unstable tree and formation of stem girdling roots. Weak bark inclusions can form between these roots and the trunk leading to tree failure. Trunks can decay when trees are planted deeply. Trees can fall over when planted deeply. Click for more photos.
Trees planted with the root flare slightly above the landscape soil form a more normal root system as shown in the photo at left.
