Hello Gardeners, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow . The University of Florida Extension factsheet on trees and hurricanes speaks to the issue of properly planting a tree to improve its survivability. We Clemson people say not to amend the planting hole for several reasons -- one being that it can discourage the tree from sending roots into the less hospitable native soil. The Florida publication states that heavy amending may even encourage the roots to circle like