Planted pear tree too deep

14 years ago

My bare root pear tree was planted a couple of inches too deep; the backfill and tree sunk below the adjacent soil line. I can add soil so that I don't have the tree in a sunken basin. I can just leave things as they are. Or I can try to raise the tree. The only problem I have with option three is the damage I might do to the emerging roots by attempting this. I planted the tree a few days ago and watered it in.

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Comments (5)

fruitnut Z7 4500ft SW TX
14 years ago
RB:

You can probably just pull gently on the tree to get it a couple inches higher. This won't hurt the roots any after just a couple days in the ground. Even if it did damage a few new roots, the tree will grow off just fine. I've moved trees multiple times in the spring and they grew as if nothing happened.
Scott F Smith
14 years ago
If the graft union is still a couple inches above the soil there is nothing to worry about, it will be fine as-is. If the graft union is below ground now, what I do is drench it and pull up as fruitnut suggests. Or dig up and replant -- until the tree buds you can move it no problem.

Scott
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Agree with Hort. At this point the biggest problem is all those small roots above the root flare. Get rid of them by whatever means is required. Also since you tree has been planted for a year, the lose of these small roots probable won't significantly affect your tree. I personally would remove the extra soil, as even if you cut all the adventitious roots above the flare, they will tend to grow back if the excess soil remains there, very possible presenting the same problem at a later time. I assume this was a balled and burlaped tree? If however was a container tree, then I'm concerned above more girdling roots further down. Arktrees
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When transplanting trees you can't avoid damaging roots, but you can minimise the damage with care. Before I transplant I soak the soil around for a number of days. I try to time it with rainy periods and do it at the end of the day when it's a bit cooler. The tree also has overnight before it heats up and the sun's out. If necessary I give them some temporary shade for a while. Depending on the tree, I sometimes prune it back a bit to reduce transpiration as the roots won't have the same ability to supply water for a while.
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jean001
14 years ago
If it's only been a few days, it would be safest to dig it up, then replant high.

If you pull it up, it can leave air-filled spaces where roots won't grow.

That said, review the note about where the graft is. That's the part that must be aboveground.
questor3
14 years ago
Bob,
I'm not sure what your planting experience is, so will relay one of my simple basic rules to you just in case. If you choose to replant this tree, keep in mind to help keep your backfill slightly compacted. Otherwise, you will definitely experience resettling of the refill component soil sooner if not later. The first good watering is usually enuff to give a good hint towards the ultimate outcome. Just a few weighted heels of your boot/shoe as you go from layer to layer of backfill is usually sufficient. Sure, the developing roots of the new tree like a loose nit matrix for easy expansion, but some firmness in the hole is still usually quite a bit better than the undug soil surounding your dug out hole. Like the other posters here are basically saying, air pockets are not a good thing for several reasons actually. Just keep watch on the roots' placement or bundling up as you proceed along. If you eliminate the settling factor, you will also most likely eliminate these sorts of "whoopsey" replant prospects as well.

Best wishes on all your future tree planting projects, ~q3~
calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
14 years ago
Hi Bob I am somewhat familiar with your soil, and would definitely raise your newly planted tree. The closer to the surface your feeder roots the better your tree will grow. The difference is the amount of oxygen in the root zone. Most of us are dealing with a soil only too willing to compact and destroy the soil structure. I would also recommend a vegetative mulch at least four inches thick extending at least three feet away from the trunk. Al

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Planted pear tree too deep

Comments (5)

fruitnut Z7 4500ft SW TX

Scott F Smith

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jean001

questor3

calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9

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