Plant it high, it won’t die.

 

 

In East Texas, planting trees and shrubs slightly above the natural soil line is one of the most important steps for long term plant health. Our region’s clay heavy soils drain slowly, holds water longer than expected, and can suffocate new roots if plants are set too deep. Planting high prevents those problems before they start.
 
 

East Texas Soil: The Reason Planting High Matters

 

• Much of East Texas has dense, fine textured clay soils.
 

• Clay holds water like a bowl—great in drought, but risky for new plantings.
 

• When a tree or shrub is planted too low, water collects around the root ball, causing:
 

o Root rot
 

o Slow establishment
 

o Poor oxygen flow
 

o Eventual decline or sudden death
 

Planting high keeps the root flare dry, oxygenated, and able to grow outward into native soil.
 

 

 

How High Should You Plant?

 

Set the root ball 2–3 inches ABOVE the surrounding soil.

 
 

The Benefits of Planting High

 

• Better drainage around the root zone
 

• Faster establishment in heavy soils
 

• Reduced risk of rot and fungal issues
 

• Improved oxygen flow to new roots
 

• Stronger, wider root systems that anchor the plant for life
 

Trees and shrubs planted high almost always outperform those planted level or low—especially after heavy spring rains.

 
 

A Note on Mulch

 

• Keep mulch 3–4 inches deep, but
 

• Never pile mulch against the trunk
 

• Leave a donut shaped gap around the base to keep the root flare exposed
 
 

The Bottom Line

 

Planting high is one of the simplest, most effective ways to ensure long term success in East Texas landscapes. It prevents waterlogging, protects new roots, and gives your trees and shrubs the best possible start. Trees and shrubs planted high almost always outperform those planted level or low.