Planting trees is good. It helps the environment. It gives shade. It cleans the air. But planting wrong can hurt the tree. One mistake is planting too high.

This article will explain. It will tell you why. It will help you plant right.

So let’s learn everything. Proper planting keeps trees healthy. Some mistakes can kill trees. Some mistakes slow growth. Knowing the right way matters.

What Does Planting Too High Mean?

Planting too high means the roots are exposed. The root flare should be at ground level. If it is above the tree struggles. The roots dry out.

The tree gets weak. It may not survive.

The root flare is where roots spread. It should not be buried. It should not be too high. Finding the right spot is key. A tree planted too high will suffer.

Why Is Planting Too High Bad?

Planting too high causes problems. The roots dry fast. Wind can loosen the tree. Water runs off instead of soaking in. The tree becomes unstable.

Growth slows. The tree may die.

Exposed roots get damaged. Sun and air harm them. They cannot absorb water well. The tree starves. It becomes weak. Pests and diseases attack easier.

A high-planted tree struggles to live.

Signs Of A Tree Planted Too High

How do you know if a tree is planted too high? Look for these signs:

• Roots are visible above soil.
• Soil washes away from the base.
• The tree wobbles in wind.
• Leaves turn yellow or brown.
• Growth is slow or stunted.

If you see these the tree is too high. Fixing it early helps. Waiting makes it worse.

How To Plant A Tree Correctly

Planting right keeps trees healthy. Follow these steps:

1. Dig The Right Hole

The hole should be wide. It should be shallow. The width should be twice the root ball. The depth should match the root ball height. Do not dig too deep.

2. Find The Root Flare

Look for where roots spread. This is the root flare. It should sit at ground level. Remove excess soil from the top if needed. Do not bury the flare.

3. Place The Tree Properly

Put the tree in the hole. The flare should be level with the ground. Adjust the hole depth if needed. Do not pile soil over the flare.

4. Fill The Hole Right

Use the same soil to fill the hole. Do not add too much compost. Pack soil gently. Water to remove air pockets. Do not stomp the soil hard.

5. Mulch Correctly

Add mulch around the tree. Keep it away from the trunk. Mulch should not touch the bark. A 2-3 inch layer is enough. Too much mulch harms the tree.

How To Fix A Tree Planted Too High

If your tree is too high fix it fast. Here’s how:

1. Replant The Tree

Dig it up carefully. Replant at the right depth. The root flare must be at ground level. This is the best solution for young trees.

2. Add Soil Around The Base

For older trees add soil slowly. Build a gentle slope. Cover exposed roots. Do not bury the flare. Water well to settle the soil.

3. Use Mulch To Protect Roots

Add mulch around the base. It keeps roots moist. It prevents erosion. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.

4. Water Properly

High-planted trees dry out fast. Water deeply but not too often. Let soil dry slightly between watering. This helps roots grow strong.

Common Mistakes When Planting Trees

Avoid these errors:

• Digging Too Deep – Buries the root flare.
• Planting Too High – Exposes roots.
• Over-Mulching – Causes rot and pests.
• Packing Soil Too Tight – Stops air and water.
• Using Too Much Fertilizer – Burns roots.

Small mistakes hurt trees. Doing it right saves time and effort.

Best Trees For Easy Planting

Some trees grow easier. They survive mistakes better. Here are a few:

• Maple – Strong and adaptable.
• Oak – Deep roots drought-resistant.
• Pine – Handles poor soil well.
• Birch – Grows fast in moist soil.
• Apple – Tough and fruitful.

Choose trees suited to your area. They grow better with less care.

When To Plant A Tree

Timing matters. The best seasons are:

• Spring – Cool weather helps roots grow.
• Fall – Soil is warm air is cool.

Avoid summer heat. Avoid frozen winter ground. Planting at the right time boosts survival.

How To Water A Newly Planted Tree

Watering right helps trees grow. Follow these tips:

• Water deeply after planting.
• Keep soil moist but not soggy.
• Water more in hot weather.
• Reduce watering as roots grow.
• Use drip hoses for slow soaking.

Too much water drowns roots. Too little dries them out. Balance is key.

How To Stake A Tree

Staking helps weak trees. But do it right:

• Use soft ties to avoid bark damage.
• Stake loosely so the tree can move.
• Remove stakes after one year.
• Do not stake if the tree stands firm.

Over-staking makes trees weak. Let them grow strong on their own.

How To Protect Trees From Animals

Animals can harm young trees. Use these methods:

• Wrap trunks with guards.
• Use fences to keep deer away.
• Spray repellents if needed.
• Remove shelters for rodents.

Protection helps trees grow safely.

How To Check Tree Health

Watch for these signs of a healthy tree:

• Green leaves in season.
• Strong new growth each year.
• No cracks or dead branches.
• Firm bark with no holes.
• Roots covered by soil.

If your tree looks sick check for problems. Fixing issues early saves the tree.

Final Thoughts

Planting a tree too high is bad. It exposes roots. It dries them out. The tree grows weak. It may die.

Always plant at the right depth. The root flare must be at ground level.

Follow proper planting steps. Avoid common mistakes. Water and mulch correctly. Protect young trees from harm.

Healthy trees grow strong. They live long. They give beauty and shade.

Plant right and enjoy your trees for years.

FAQs

1. Can a tree survive if planted too high?

Some trees survive but struggle. Most grow weak. Many die young. Fixing it early helps. Replanting is the best solution.

2. How deep should a tree be planted?

The root flare should be at ground level. The hole depth should match the root ball height. Never bury the flare.

3. What happens if roots are exposed?

Exposed roots dry out. They get damaged. The tree cannot absorb water well. Growth slows. The tree may die.

4. Can you fix a tree planted too high?

Yes. Replant it at the right depth. For older trees add soil and mulch. Water well to help recovery.

5. How long does it take for a tree to recover?

Young trees recover fast. Older trees take longer. Proper care helps. Water and mulch support healing.

6. Should you stake a high-planted tree?

Staking may help if the tree wobbles. But fixing the planting depth is better. Remove stakes once the tree is stable.

7. What trees handle high planting best?

Some tough trees like oak and pine survive better. But all trees grow best when planted right.

Plant smart. Grow strong trees. Enjoy nature’s gifts.

Rafrence:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/planting_a_tree_successfully_requires_the_correct_planting_depth

https://blog.davey.com/how-to-fix-a-tree-planted-too-deep

https://www.barcham.co.uk/guides-advice/the-importance-of-planting-trees-at-the-correct-depth