God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools. ~John Muir
Of all the wonders of nature, a tree in summer is perhaps the most remarkable; with the possible exception of a moose singing "Embraceable You" in spats. ~Woody Allen
The following links provide detailed information regarding root care depth correction:
Root Care and Depth Correction
THE PROBLEM
In our urban and suburban environments, soils bear little resemblance to those in nature. Often all the topsoil has been stripped away and natural systems of organic matter and beneficial fungi are nearly non-existent. Most companies offer a one-size-fits-all approach to tree and shrub fertilization. Basic nutrients may be provided but little or nothing is done to address the lack of micro-nutrients and beneficial soil fungi. Fertilization of a stressed tree or shrub can stimulate new growth, but in an unhealthy plant such a stimuli will expend stored reserves and may lead to its early demise. Improper fertilization can also lead to weaker, thinner cell walls which make trees and shrubs more vulnerable to insects and disease.
THE SOLUTION
The Arbor Doctor’s fertilization and root health care programs are tailored to the needs of individual trees and shrubs. We use products which are primarily designed to enhance plant system health rather than to induce growth. Our mycorrhizal innoculants are designed to improve and develop the beneficial relationships roots are meant to have with soil-borne fungi. We add micro-nutrients to address deficiencies common to poor urban and suburban soils.
VERTICAL MULCHING
In the woods, tree roots grow in good topsoil mulched by seasonal leaf drop. Tree roots develop complex inter-relationships with beneficial micro-organisms which are vital to good tree growth. In home landscapes, growing environments are much more hostile with high compaction, poor soil quality, and therefore poor root zone aeration, poor moisture penetration, and insufficient development of beneficial micro-organisms. Soil compaction is the most common problem for trees in urban areas. Compacted soils have lost macro pore spaces that normally hold air and water. That hinders respiration and severe compaction can suffocate a tree.
Mature trees may be valued at many thousands of dollars each, adding 7 to 25% to your property value. Mature trees cannot be replaced, yet as trees age they, like people, become less efficient and more vulnerable to stresses. As stresses build, trees become more vulnerable to plant pests, diseases, and environmental stress. It is much easier to keep a tree healthy than to bring a tree back from the brink of death. Even a tree which has declined can sometimes be stabilized and improved.
Aeration is probably the most beneficial process we can provide for tree and root zone health. We use an air knife to punch holes with high pressure air into the tree root zone and ra dially fracture the soil profile. Vertical mulching opens up soil pore spaces allowing oxygen and moisture penetration. Introduction of organic matter and root zone inoculate into the holes we create aid in enhancing soil microbial activity. Because the air knife radially fractures the soil, it is a much more complete aeration than the drill hole method.
Fertilization: Yes, where applicable.
Micro-nutrients: Yes, where applicable. Effective with low to moderate deficiencies.
Micro-organism inoculation: Yes
Root zone aeration: Yes
Applications: Remediation of root zone compaction, stabilization of trees with low to moderate stress, increased resistance to insects and disease.
LIQUID FERTILIZATION/ROOT ZONE INOCULATION
Liquid Fertilization/Root Zone Inoculation is the injection of macronutrients, micronutrients, and beneficial micro-organisms intended to improve root health and overall tree health. We use slow release, low nitrogen products and tailor our applications to the specific needs of your plants. Materials used by most other companies include only macronutrients and may or may not contain a slow release component and micro-organisms. In special circumstances such as Emerald Ash Borer we can also include systemic insecticides with this application. This service is generally included in our plant health care programs and can be added for larger or specimen trees.
Fertilization: Yes
Micro-nutrients: Yes
Micro-organism inoculation: Yes
Root zone aeration: No
Applications: General tree and shrub maintenance, increased resistance to insects and disease.
RADIAL TRENCHING
A procedure performed with the air knife which allows complete tilling of the soil profile within the tree’s root system without damaging roots. Trenches are excavated in a pattern similar to the spokes on wheel without damaging tender roots. Aeration is probably the most beneficial process we can provide for tree and shrub root zone health.
Fertilization: Yes, where applicable.
Micro-nutrients: Yes, where applicable. Effective with moderate and severe deficiencies to the extent that the problem is actually correctable.
Micro-organism inoculation: Yes
Root zone aeration: Yes
Applications: Remediation of root zone compaction, stabilization of trees with stress, specialty correction of soil deficiencies, increased resistance to insects and disease.
For more information or to schedule a visit for an assessment or opinion, please contact us.