Planting depth of trees and espaliers
- Leestijd: 2 min.
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Trees are still planted too deep. For example, to accommodate height differences but also sometimes out of ignorance. When it comes to planting trees remember this: Better 10 centimetres too high than 2 cm too deep. Planting too deep is the most common cause of tree mortality after planting. Sometimes trees do not die but there is inhibited growth at best and delayed dying at worst. It happens that the planting depth or plant height is not respected to match a hedge or wall. In the case of umbrella trees to match the window height. Espaliers and its collaborating companies have the widest choice in trunk heights and sizes, planting too deep for these reasons cannot be an excuse. We prefer to take a project-based approach to avoid this. It also happens that planting is done correctly but a thick layer of soil cover (e.g. bark) is applied afterwards. In that case, make sure that in the nearby zone of 10 cm around the trunk the layer is very thin (max 1 cm)
Most trees cannot tolerate deep plantings. These trees will also die if planted deeper than 5 to 10 cm.
If the planting depth is less than 5 cm, the tree may still survive for a long time but grow more slowly.
Some trees block completely, as if they are standing still. This can take a very long time and usually the tree also starts to weaken and die. In rare cases, the tree will form adapted roots and adapt. This depends from species to species and you better not take the risk.
How do you notice if the tree is planted too deep?
Remove the soil around the trunk up to the first root neck (where the root starts)
The root neck should be visible and the first roots should be just below the ground surface. The part of the trunk that is too deep is damp and the tree cannot tolerate that.
What do you do if the tree is planted too deep?
Immediately remove the soil and cover materials locally.
This solution is possible up to 5 to 10 cm too deep planting.
Usually this is all that needs to be done. If the trees are so deep that this solution is not possible, they should be replanted or level adjustments should be made.
Is it a problem if the tree is planted too high?
Indeed, this can do much less harm. If the tree has enough water in the period after planting and is sufficiently firm then it will grow perfectly.
Green tip:
If you have moist soil, plant a little higher each time and create a small berm around the tree.
Good luck!!!