surface roots on new trees

[jeffbrown]

I planted three 12' "duraheat" b&b river birch on 9-10-06. They were planted on uphill side of hole in sloped yard with root collar exposed and soil sloped away from trunk on all sides. I covered with 3-4" of mulch and supplied daily watering. I pulled back mulch the other day and found large quantity of feeder roots growing on top of soil and into the mulch. The 6-10" feeder roots appear to be growing horizontally from root ball and exiting out soil sloping away from trunk. I can't figure out whether this is normal or I've a possible overwatering issue creating an oxygen shortage or something else.Thoughts and comments appreciated!

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

Some of this would be expected, though not excessively. Is soil loose enough to breathe and drain; also present a path of low resistance to growth? Clay soil? Sides of hole maid with shovel or treespade deglazed to give roots easy access? Is tree trying to stabilize self against winds?

 

[treeseer]

yes bad drainage may be the problem. Check "New Tree Planting" in the link below.

dig a hole just outside the rootball, at least as deep as the root ball. fill it with water and see how fast it drains.