Remedy for Apple Tree Too Low

General Fruit Growing
1

A four year old apple tree on M7 apparently sank or maybe I just planted it too low. So now a foot circle around the trunk is 3 to 4 inches lower than grade. Tree is not growing vigorously.

If I filled in that one foot low circle with soil, would it likely rot the trunk? I know it might turn into a standard if it didn’t rot. Or is it better to dig it up and replant it higher? Tree is 6 ft tall, trunk caliper 1 -1.5 inches.

I remember a similar thread but cannot find it.

Was in a hurry when I planted it- not good.

2

I have several of them that did that. I just filled in with mulch till you couldn’t see the dip. If you dig it you will be set back several years and maybe death. Just leave it. Turning to a standard is a good thing. Just fill it with something so it doesn’t fill with water. Worst can happen it dies.

Several stonefruit and one apple did turn standard rather quickly for me though. M7 is my guess for low vigor. I have two on that and they topped out at 6 foot and not vigorous at all. Possible removal in their future.
Revision: Maybe mound dirt around them to see if I can convert to standard.

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3

If you’re going to dig it up and relocate or just plant it higher, now is the time to do it when the ground isn’t frozen.

However, if you’re not worried about it becoming a standard size tree…I’d just fill it in if it were mine. (Now, if you have a real heavy clay that doesn’t perc, that could be reason to raise the tree rather than fill in the hole.)

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4

Based on my experience with M7, I agree that you should fill it in. In fact, I have burr knots and stability issues that are making me want to dig my trees out and plant them deeper.

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5

Thanks everyone. Guess I’m surprised that filling in the depression with soil won’t rot the bark, like mulch does when it lays up against the trunk.

6

I think that bark rotting is more for older trees with rough bark. If its still smooth shouldn’t be a problem. I didn’t lose any. Some did fine, some stalled, and some converted to standard.

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7

This is Excellent news. Thank you so much.

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8

Yes, planting a few M 7’s deep here has so far prevented any root sprouts.

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9

I was weeding my King David (on M7) this week and noticed burr knots on it, kinda surprised to see that, but I guess it’s possible. Saw the same on my M7 Pristine.

Its biggest issue is root suckers, wow, there is a 3ft high one on it now. Guess I’ll maybe pile some soil around it and see if I can grow some more rootstocks!

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