Search the proper planting depth to forestall root flare

For those who’re planning to plant bushes or shrubs this fall, an important factor you are able to do to make sure their success is to not plant them too deeply.

“Roots should be simply beneath the floor of the soil,” stated Sharon Yiesla, plant information specialist within the Plant Clinic at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. “For those who’re not cautious, it’s all too straightforward to bury them to this point that the roots are mainly smothered and the plant can’t thrive.”

One cause that tree and shrub roots are sometimes buried too deeply is that the roots are already too deep whenever you purchase the plant. Gardeners are sometimes instructed to plant new perennials on the similar depth as within the pots they got here in, however that’s not good recommendation for bushes and shrubs.

“With bushes and shrubs offered in pots or wrapped in burlap, the roots could also be a number of inches beneath the floor of the soil,” Yiesla stated. Earlier than planting, it is advisable take away any surplus soil to seek out the proper depth for the plant.

Why is the proper depth so necessary? After planting, roots will step by step develop out sideways from the unique ball of roots. They should be surrounded by soil, however additionally they want air, which may solely percolate from the ambiance into the soil for a number of inches. “If the roots are beneath the attain of air, the plant will wrestle and sure fail,” she stated.

The suitable depth is set by the basis flare, the spot the place a tree or shrub’s trunk simply begins to widen out into its predominant, structural roots. “It’s a curve, just like the curve the place your neck widens out into your shoulder,” Yiesla stated.

The tree ought to sit within the soil with the roots coated however the flare seen: “Image a crewneck T-shirt, the place your shoulders are coated however the curve of your neck is uncovered,” she stated.

For those who go searching for a wholesome older tree in your neighborhood, you’ll see that its trunk doesn’t rise straight out of the soil like a fence put up or a phone pole. Because it emerges from the soil, it tapers and curves from the roots up into the trunk. “That curve tells you the roots are simply beneath the floor,” Yiesla stated.

Earlier than you dig the planting gap in your new tree or shrub, use your fingers or a backyard knife to probe the soil across the trunk. Discover the flare of the most important roots and take away all soil above that stage.

The roots that matter are the big structural roots that can assist and anchor the plant. You might also see some smaller roots which have sprouted above the structural roots as a result of the plant was too deep.

“Trim them away,” Yiesla stated.

After getting positioned the basis flare, measure from that time to the underside of the basis ball to find out how deep to dig the opening. Make the opening large and shallow, and simply deep sufficient within the center so the plant will sit with its root flare on the similar stage as the encircling soil.

As you refill the opening after you set the plant in place, cease partway and test to make certain the basis flare is on the proper stage. Gently tamp down the soil across the plant. Then fill the opening simply to the extent of the basis flare. When you’ve got extra soil, don’t pile it on prime of the basis ball or across the trunk; unfold it out evenly on the soil across the gap.

Then water the tree or shrub and unfold a fair layer of mulch 3 to 4 inches large on the soil round it.

“Don’t pile the mulch towards the plant,” Yiesla stated. “You don’t wish to bury the basis flare in mulch any greater than you wish to bury it in soil.”

For tree and plant recommendation, contact the Plant Clinic at The Morton Arboretum (630-719-2424, mortonarb.org/plant-clinic, or [email protected]). Beth Botts is a workers author on the Arboretum.