Step 1. Determine the Depth of the Planting Hole
The depth of the planting hole should be 1-2 inches less than the height of the root ball adjusted (as needed) to correct the depth of the tree in the root ball.
Depth of the Root Ball in the Planting Hole
To deal with the soil texture interface between the root ball soil and backfill soil, it is imperative that no backfill soil covers the top of the root ball. For small, one-inch caliper trees, the top of the root ball should be about one inch above grade. For (2-4 inch caliper trees, the top of the root ball should be about two inches above grade. Backfill soil should cover the “knees”, tapering down to grade. As the root ball "mellows out", the top of the root ball will be at grade level. [Figure 6]
Depth of the Tree in the Root Ball
Generally, at least two structural roots should be within the top 1-3 inches of the root ball, measured 3-4 inches from the trunk.
On species prone to trunk-circling roots (Crabapples, Green Ash, Hackberry, Littleleaf Linden, Poplar, Red Maple, and other species with aggressive root systems), the top structural root should be within the top one inch of the root ball.
Checking depth of tree in root ball – Check depth of the tree in the root ball. Do not assume that it was planted correctly at the nursery.
The presence of the root flare is an indi