Thanks to everyone who commented with thoughts and suggestions. We removed a bunch of the dirt surrounding the tree since it seemed that was the general consensus.
There was a layer of mulch on top, but mostly it was the dirt/clay/rock mix that they'd dug up when planting. It was all damp, so we're hoping the root ball can breathe a little easier now. There was also a huge ant colony inside, which we removed. After taking out the dirt we put the mulch layer back on top. We're getting a cold front tonight, (not quite freezing) so not sure how the tree will respond to that given all it's gone through.
Some were wondering if the tree might be planted too deep, so I included a picture of the base of the tree in case that helps.
The other tree seems fine with its (smaller) donut of dirt for now, but we can do the same for it if need be.
by MrsCullyWully
7 Comments
Everyone is about to tell you now to move the mulch away from trunk and likely 3-4 comments regarding le flaré
Better, but does appear to be planted too deep. If it was the nursery who buried it under all of that mulch, maybe they planted it too deep.
I Google image searched for “live oak tree root flare” for reference. That’s what you want to see. Which is not what you have.
Planted too deep if you can’t see surface roots remove soil until you do. Then have the tree company home lift it back up and replant it at the correct depth, check the other tree as well.
There’s no sign of root flare, and this is a pricey tree. For the money I imagine you paid them they owe it to you to come back and rectify this immediately.
It is possible to dig it out yourselves, but to lift it up will be tough. Did the installer have any help or a machine? The other tree will likely need to be freed from the mulch volcano as well.
Yay
Much better, but do carfully pull more soil off/away from the root ball/trunk with a hoe until you find the root flare & top of the root ball (usually in original potting soil). Looks like it could be 4-6 inches below grade, which is not ideal, but can probably be managed by installing a ring about 4-5 ft diameter and letting the tree grow in a shallow well. Easier than digging & raising the tree, esp a month after planting.
I have a live oak and while it doesn’t lose all of its leaves at once during the winter it does thin out quite a bit until spring. All that to say, I think what you did was the right thing but don’t be too concerned if you don’t see it fill out until April