What happens to plants that settle below grade?

• A. They thrive and grow faster
• B. They often struggle and may die slowly
• C. They will grow larger roots
• D. They need more watering

Answer: (B)

Plants that settle below grade often struggle and may die slowly due to several environmental stressors. When a plant is planted too deeply, its basal stem tissue can become buried, which disrupts its normal growth and respiration processes. This can lead to insufficient oxygen for root respiration, resulting in anaerobic conditions. Moreover, the excess soil covering can retain too much moisture, leading to root rot and other fungal diseases.

Additionally, when plants are below grade, their ability to absorb nutrients effectively is hindered, and they may not receive the proper light exposure if covered by surrounding soil. This combination of factors essentially compromises the plant's health, leading to stunted growth or eventual death if the conditions remain unfavorable for too long. Hence, the statement that they often struggle and may die slowly accurately describes the consequences of plants settling below grade.