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New-ish apple tree in this year
Westhillwonder
Posts: 7
I think this has been discussed before in the past - but still a bit worried about fine roots on my apple tree but growing on the surface. I'm not sure about the rules for planting depth and having the 'union' above soil level (is that right) - how high above soil level? Is this anything to do with the appearance of surface roots on my tree? Any help appreciated. Thanks
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Posts
In this case, take atleast one shot to include the whole tree so that we can see how it stands in the soil.
You're asking about the graft union but both closeup pictures don't show it or is not very obvious so it must be higher up the trunk or the tree is grown on its own roots.
Generally, the graft union (the location at where the scion and the rootstock were fused together) should be atleast 1 inch (25mm) above soil level - as long as the scion can not bridge the gap and touch the soil it will be ok.
How can it bridge the gap? Sometimes, the graft union itself can swell and bulge as it heals over time (remember, the graft union is the site of two wounds on two separate trees). This bulge can get so big that it will touch the soil and the scion will ground-layer and form roots which will bypass the rootstock.
If the graft union is high up then the tree can be planted deeper down into the soil to better anchor it.
As-is with surface roots, it is still ok. Just mound some more soil on top, mulch it and continue with the aftercare until the tree is properly established.