Root flares and holes

[Makarwich]

I have attempted to expose the root flares on several of our trees and now have a hole around my magnolia that is collecting water. It is in a low space in the grade as well. Would I be better off just transplanting it somewhere else? It has only been in the ground here for two years. TIA

[khwoz]

If the water drains out of the hole within a few hours after a rain, I would leave it. Keep in mind that when the soil was on the trunk, it stayed wet longer. If you need the hole to drain better, you can dig a trench to a lower area, fill it about 3/4 full with gravel & put dirt/grass back on top of the gravel. As the magnolia grows, the root flare should fill the current hole. If none of the above is workable, transplant with as much of the root ball intact. Good Luck!