How deep should I plant a tree? My landscaper buried the trunk.

Planting too deep is one of the most common and most lethal mistakes in tree planting — and unfortunately, it's frequently done by landscapers, garden centers, and homeowners alike. If your tree's trunk goes straight into the ground like a telephone pole with no visible root flare, it's planted too deep.

The correct planting depth:

• The root flare (where the trunk widens into the first major roots) should be at or slightly above grade level
• You should see the trunk taper outward at the soil line — the trunk should NOT look like a pole going straight into the ground
• In fact, it's better to plant 1-2 inches HIGH rather than too deep

Why deep planting kills trees:

• Buried bark stays constantly moist, creating conditions for fungal decay and canker diseases
• Girdling roots develop when roots circling in the pot or planting hole are buried too deep — they slowly strangle the trunk over 5-15 years
• Roots need oxygen. Too much soil over the root system suffocates fine absorbing roots.
• Symptoms of deep planting may not appear for years, then the tree declines and dies with no apparent cause

How to fix a deeply planted tree:

1. If recently planted (within 1-2 years): Carefully excavate soil from around the trunk until you find the root flare. Remove any circling or girdling roots. You may need to replant at the correct depth.
2. If established (3+ years): Use an air spade (compressed air tool) to remove soil from the root flare without damaging roots. This is a job for a certified arborist.
3. Remove mulch volcanoes — mulch piled against the trunk causes the same problems as deep planting. Keep mulch 3-4 inches away from the trunk.

For more planting guidance, see our Planting Guide. Learn to recognize failing trees in Signs Your Tree Is Dying.