RB:

You can probably just pull gently on the tree to get it a couple inches higher. This won't hurt the roots any after just a couple days in the ground. Even if it did damage a few new roots, the tree will grow off just fine. I've moved trees multiple times in the spring and they grew as if nothing happened.

If the graft union is still a couple inches above the soil there is nothing to worry about, it will be fine as-is. If the graft union is below ground now, what I do is drench it and pull up as fruitnut suggests. Or dig up and replant -- until the tree buds you can move it no problem.

Scott

If it's only been a few days, it would be safest to dig it up, then replant high.

If you pull it up, it can leave air-filled spaces where roots won't grow.

That said, review the note about where the graft is. That's the part that must be aboveground.

Bob,
I'm not sure what your planting experience is, so will relay one of my simple basic rules to you just in case. If you choose to replant this tree, keep in mind to help keep your backfill slightly compacted. Otherwise, you will definitely experience resettling of the refill component soil sooner if not later. The first good watering is usually enuff to give a good hint towards the ultimate outcome. Just a few weighted heels of your boot/shoe as you go from layer to layer of backfill is usually sufficient. Sure, the developing roots of the new tree like a loose nit matrix for easy expansion, but some firmness in the hole is still usually quite a bit better than the undug soil surounding your dug out hole. Like the other posters here are basically saying, air pockets are not a good thing for several reasons actually. Just keep watch on the roots' placement or bundling up as you proceed along. If you eliminate the settling factor, you will also most likely eliminate these sorts of "whoopsey" replant prospects as well.

Best wishes on all your future tree planting projects, ~q3~

Hi Bob I am somewhat familiar with your soil, and would definitely raise your newly planted tree. The closer to the surface your feeder roots the better your tree will grow. The difference is the amount of oxygen in the root zone. Most of us are dealing with a soil only too willing to compact and destroy the soil structure. I would also recommend a vegetative mulch at least four inches thick extending at least three feet away from the trunk. Al