Raising Ground Level Around Raspberries - Ask Extension
Hi, I’m trying to level out my yard by adding a several yards of soil or bark chips. There’s a bed with raspberries at the lowest end. My question...
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Raising Ground Level Around Raspberries #930333
Asked May 01, 2026, 6:58 PM EDT
Hi, I’m trying to level out my yard by adding a several yards of soil or bark chips. There’s a bed with raspberries at the lowest end. My question is if I add a foot and a half of bark chips on them, will they be okay? Or would I need to dig them up and replant them at the higher ground level in soil? Thank you
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Nick. Adding chips to raise soil level is not the best course of action. First, chips remove nitrogen from the surrounding soil, and that is the most important (and needed) of the nutrients. Second, plant roots cannot grow effectively in these areas, because there is so much air that it dries out the roots.
Insofar as adding just soil, OSU indicates that "
Raspberry plants are sensitive to wet or heavy soils and are susceptible to root rot. Raised beds or mounded
rows, if constructed correctly, can create enough height for adequate drainage, if necessary."
Here is the entire article about growing raspberries successfully, including information about ideal siting for the species, that you can use to relocate/replace your canes: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-1306-growing-raspberries-your-home-garden
Good luck!
Insofar as adding just soil, OSU indicates that "
Raspberry plants are sensitive to wet or heavy soils and are susceptible to root rot. Raised beds or mounded
rows, if constructed correctly, can create enough height for adequate drainage, if necessary."
Here is the entire article about growing raspberries successfully, including information about ideal siting for the species, that you can use to relocate/replace your canes: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-1306-growing-raspberries-your-home-garden
Good luck!
