Should there be standing water in that hole after the landscaper left?

No—persistent standing water signals a problem. In Utah’s clay-heavy soils, planting pits and post holes can act like buckets if they’re not prepared correctly. For a tree or shrub, the root ball should rest on firm subgrade, surrounded by amended backfill that drains well. The area should slope slightly to shed water away from your foundation and avoid pooling. If you see water sitting longer than 24 hours after normal irrigation or rainfall, ask your contractor to investigate. Solutions may include breaking up compacted subsoil, adding gravel for drainage, or installing a small French drain or drain tile. Left uncorrected, standing water can cause root rot, attract mosquitoes, and weaken soil structure. A professional contractor should check grade, verify irrigation settings, and propose a permanent fix. Don’t ignore it—early intervention is far less expensive than repairing dead plants or foundation damage later.