LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, October 22

Executing a Landscape Renovation

Best Practices: Planting High vs. Digging Too Deep

CrabappleLandscapExperts recommend “planting high” in heavy soils that drain poorly. This means we dig only a shallow hole for woody ornamentals, allowing the top of the root ball to be left exposed above the surface of the surrounding soil. The top portion (about 1/3 of the overall height) of the root ball is then protected with a cover of 2-3 inches of ground pine bark or other good, organic mulch. This keeps the exposed portion from drying out while the roots become established in the aerated top soil.

CrabappleLandscapExperts understand that digging the hole deeper than the height of the root ball is poor practice. As the disturbed or “fluffed up” soil settles and compacts, a too-deep hole can result in the root ball sinking below the level of the surrounding ground. This settling can lead to root suffocation or decay if water collects over and around the roots, or if soil washes in to bury the roots, depriving them of oxygen.  

Planting High is an excellent practice for the beautiful, fragrant native azaleas that enliven Southern landscapes in April in shades of yellow, gold, apricot, orange, peach and pink.