Trees often arrive from the nursery with excess soil mounded up along the stem, covering the root flare or collar. This isn’t right and should be taken care of at the source — the nursery. Because it is so common, however, if the person planting the tree sees this, they should take corrective steps. It doesn’t take long to use a weed knife or another tool to gently dig the soil away and expose the root flare.

Trees are not meant to be buried like a telephone pole. The root flare must be above the soil level so the trunk receives air and sunlight and the roots are able to grow correctly, providing stability to the tree. One major problem caused by burying the root flare is girdling roots, which encircle the trunk and eventually strangle the tree. A properly planted tree’s root flare is obvious.

The next crucial part of the process is preparation of the planting hole. The person should prepare a hole at the proper depth so that the root flare is slightly above the soil level when it’s situated.

Finally, mulch should never be placed against the trunk of the tree! Mulch touching the trunk creates moist conditions which can cause damage and decay to the trunk.

Newly planted trees are still establishing their root systems and therefore need more water. Water newly planted trees once a day for the first couple of weeks after planting, and once a week after that during the growing season. The best way to determine when a tree needs watering is to check the soil. What you’re looking for is moist-not soggy- soil. In the absence of rain or moisture, check the soil with a garden trowel to a depth of 2 inches. If the soil is dry to the touch, your tree needs water.

 (These tips were excerpted from NYS Urban Forestry Communication on March 24, 2025 and written by Nancy Riordan, Birdsong Landscape Design, LLC. ISA Certified Arboris, and the National Arbor Day Foundation.)