Avoid planting in a hole or a low-lying area, except when planting in sandy soils. Plant in raised beds or on a ridge or mound of soil several inches high and several feet across in areas where drainage is poor or soil is highly amended and plants will settle as organic matter in the soil decomposes.

Line art illustration with a person standing between two young, leafless trees, one planted too low (below soil grade) and the other properly planted on a slight mound.; Davis, California Credit: Adapted from an illustration by David Kidd
Credit: Adapted from an illustration by David Kidd