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Planting trees too deeply and excessively piling mulch on the trunks of trees has become a chronic problem in urban and suburban landscapes. Deeply planted or buried trees are prone to girdling roots, poor growth, pest problems and decline or death. Watch a video on this problem.

Root collar excavation, or the removal of soil and mulch from against the trunk, is a simple, effective process that can correct deep planting and over-mulching.