The importance of the apple tree's root collar: what to do if you planted it too deep or not deep enough

To create a fruitful apple orchard in your garden, you need to know not only the basic rules of planting and care, but also the names and characteristics of the tree's main components. For example, correctly identifying the location of the root collar and its characteristics will help avoid many problems later.

What is a root collar?

The root collar is the transition point between the root and the trunk. It is the most vulnerable and unprotected part of the tree due to its unique structure and location. The structure of its cambium, wood, and bark differs significantly from that of the rest of the tree—it is here that the main element of the underground vascular system transitions to the aboveground part. The main function of the root collar is to regulate the nutrition, growth, and development of the apple tree.

Appearance

The root collar can be identified by the following features:

• the bark of the root collar of an apple tree is usually somewhat darker than the bark of the trunk;
• located 5–7 cm below the graft, which is usually easily identified by a characteristic swelling or thickening and stands out on the trunk;
• the distance from the topmost root to the conditional boundary of the beginning of the root collar is 2–4 cm;
• in some cases it may have a thickening at the bottom.

Peculiarity

The location and structure of the root collar makes it quite vulnerable:

• tissue freezing occurs when frost sets in and there is no snow cover;
• during temporary flooding due to lack of air it gets wet;
• in deep snow cover, when the temperature rises, the bark begins to rot;
• easily burned by sun rays;
• susceptible to pest attack;
• The root collar, damaged by weather conditions, is more susceptible to fungal diseases, which, in turn, develop much faster.

To preserve the apple tree, it is necessary to pay special attention to this area - carry out protective measures against freezing, disease and pest damage, as well as ensure free access to air and diffused sunlight.

Basic rules for planting a young tree

The most important factor when planting a young tree is correctly determining the location of the root collar. Because it functions as a vascular system, it requires fresh air and solar heating for development, so the tissues of the root collar are completely unsuited to underground existence.

You should also pay attention to the location of the roots - they should be straightened and lowered.

Based on this, the planting of an apple tree should be carried out in such a way that the lower edge of the root collar is at the same level with the ground surface, and the roots are positioned in such a way that under no circumstances can they grow to the surface of the soil.

Consequences of improper apple tree planting

The transition from the root system to the central conductor plays a significant role in the development of the tree, and therefore its location is very important.

Possible reasons for deepening of the root collar

Deepening of the root collar may occur several years after planting for the following reasons:

• subsidence of the soil due to disturbances during the initial formation of the pit or earth lump;
• additional formation of a layer of fertile soil due to fertilizing the tree with dry organic fertilizers;
• the root system, which was formed incorrectly during planting, came to the surface, a large skeletal root lifts the soil and deepens the collar;
• The lawn grass is planted close to the trunk.

Bug fixes

An apple tree that was planted incorrectly or buried too deep over time can be saved. However, it's important to remember that only a sufficiently strong and undamaged tree can be replanted. Seven to 10 days before replanting, treat the apple tree with the biological preparation Fitosporin or Fitoverm.

Deepened root collar

A crown buried in the soil will inevitably begin to deteriorate and rot. If the situation isn't corrected promptly, rot diseases will inevitably destroy the tree. The situation can be corrected at any time during the apple tree's life:

1. If a problem is detected immediately after landing, you must:

• lift the seedling from below with a shovel and carefully pull it out of the soil;
• clear the hole of excess soil and fill it with warm water;
• replant the tree, following the rules.

2. Six to 12 months after planting. The procedure is carried out in several stages:

• the trunk must be carefully dug around, while it is important not to damage either the root collar itself or the skeletal horizontal roots;
• abundantly water soil in the tree trunk circle;
• insert a metal crowbar or rod into the center and use intermittent movements to gently push the tree out of the soil, while simultaneously pulling it up by the trunk;
• add fertile soil into the resulting hole and water with warm water;
• plant a tree, leaving the root collar on the surface;
• After 2-3 days, rinse the root collar with warm water and treat with biological preparations "Fitoverm" or "Bitoxibacillin" in accordance with the instructions to prevent the development of diseases;
• cover up the damaged bark on the neck garden pitch according to the instructions.

3. A mature tree is 3–7 years old. Correcting the situation in this case takes longer, and the tree requires constant additional care and monitoring:

• in early spring it is necessary to make a lever and install it on a tree;
• secure the pole to the trunk, having first wrapped it with material to avoid damaging the bark;
• water the tree generously with warm water so that the soil acquires a consistency close to liquid;
• attach a load to the other end of the lever, the weight of which should be approximately determined in relation to the size of the tree (a bucket of stones, a bag of bricks or sand, etc.);
• under the influence of the load, the apple tree will begin to slowly emerge from the soil;
• when the root collar + 5 cm of roots are released from the ground, remove the weight and unfasten the lever;
• add fertile soil under the skeletal roots and trunk and water to fill the resulting voids;
• Using small movements, lower the tree into the hole to the lower level of the root collar, and fill in the top layer.

This process can take several days. During this period, it's important to avoid overextending the apple tree and exposing its roots.

High root collar

Deepening a high root collar usually doesn't present any difficulties. To resolve this issue, simply add fertile soil up to the bottom of the collar and water with warm water. After the soil settles, form a new root circle.

Conclusion

Growing a fruitful apple orchard is a labor-intensive process. However, by following the basic rules of planting, you can avoid many mistakes. Furthermore, regular inspection of the garden plot will allow you to promptly resolve any problems.