Why Root & Soil Care?
Did you know that almost 90% of tree problems start below ground?
Although generally unnoticed, soils and roots are the source of many tree issues. Urban soils are often depleted of the nutrient-rich topsoil that trees love. Traffic and construction also compact soils, reducing oxygen supplies and water penetration. Without healthy soils, the tree becomes stressed and is more likely to succumb to pests and diseases.
What Soils and Roots Do
A tree depends on soils and roots for many functions.
Soils provide:
- Water
- Minerals and nutrients
- Oxygen (yes, roots need oxygen, just like us!)
- Anchorage and support for the tree
Roots provide:
- Anchorage and support
- Absorption and conductance of water, minerals, and nutrients
- Storage of carbohydrates
In the absence of healthy soils and roots, many problems can develop, such as chlorosis, root rot, and drought symptoms.
Quick Tips to Boost Soils
1. MULCH
Mulch is cheap and helps trees in so many ways – retains moisture, suppresses weeds, provides nutrients, the list goes on. Check out our ArborMulch page to learn more!
2. REMOVE TURF
Turf grass competes with trees for water and nutrients. Furthermore, lawnmowers can damage tree roots and trunks. Simply remove turf out to the tree’s canopy line and replace with mulch.
3. APPLY SOIL AMENDMENTS
- Biochar: This is a carbon-rich material naturally produced under low oxygen environments. Its unique structure supports soil microorganisms, retains water, and reduces leaching. A Plus Tree is proud to offer biochar produced in-house from tree-trimming byproducts to all Northern California regions! (Check out our BioChar page to learn more?)
- Organic Matter and Minerals: This is available in many forms, ranging from compost teas to granular fertilizers. A Plus Tree provides soil injection services that deliver “all the good stuff” directly to the tree’s root system so you get the best bang for your buck!