Coral Bark Maple Trunk Damage: Planted Too Deep—Expose the Root Flare

Bark split at base? No visible root flare = planted too deep. Buried roots rot the lower trunk.

Diagnose

Dig gently with trowel. If major roots >1 inch below soil/mulch → confirmed.

Fix

1. Expose flare roots by scraping away soil.
2. Fix drainage directing water to trunk.
3. If damage doesn't girdle trunk, tree may recover.

Common Cause

Balled & burlapped trees often buried during planting. Keep flare at soil level.