Soil and Root Management
A lot of activity happens below the surface of your trees and plants. Imagine the drama: a root-eating nematode sneaks up on your tree roots, only to be captured by a noble fungal hypha! Beneficial fungi, known as mycorrhizae, form lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with roots, enhancing their ability to absorb nutrients and water.
Healthy soil is essential for these processes. It must retain water and oxygen while effectively processing nutrients. Unfortunately, urban soils often face severe compaction, infiltration problems, and nutrient deficiencies. These issues can stress plants, making them more susceptible to diseases and insect infestations.
At Ecoplantdoctor.com, our plant health care specialists use advanced technologies to address these challenges. We focus on sustainable Soil and Root Management Techniques to create living, healthy soils—because healthy soils support healthy plants that can withstand environmental stressors.
Soil Testing
We provide comprehensive soil testing services, biological components. Additionally, we assess soil structure, composition, and bulk density to help you fully understand how your soil functions and what it may lack for optimal plant health.
Organic and Biological Soil Amendments
When existing soil needs revitalization, we use custom organic blends to restore its health. We also add soil food to encourage the growth of microorganisms essential to soil biology. Lifeless soil leads to lifeless plants, so restoring soil biology is a critical step toward improving tree health.
Organic Soil Replacements
Urban soils are sometimes altered through construction or landscaping, making them unsuitable for healthy plant growth. Whether the soil was poor initially or has been compromised over time, a soil replacement may be the best solution. Using specialized tools, we apply tailored soil blends designed to meet your tree's specific needs. This process ensures plants and trees have the ideal foundation for growth.
Root Collar Excavations
Urban trees often develop girdling roots, which encircle the trunk and effectively strangle the tree, leading to early dieback and mortality. Girdling roots can arise from improper planting or environmental stress.
Our remediation process safely exposes the root collar and removes problematic roots. We finish the process by incorporating organic compost for long-term nutrient supply and applying a properly installed mulch ring. Our plant health care specialists can diagnose girdling root issues during your consultation and recommend the best course of action.
Soil Compaction Alleviation
Soil compaction negatively impacts tree growth by breaking down soil aggregates, which are critical for maintaining pore spaces that hold oxygen and water. Compacted soil reduces water infiltration and root respiration, limiting growth, photosynthesis, and energy storage. These conditions make trees vulnerable to insects, diseases, and overall decline.
In severe cases, compacted soils can completely halt root growth. Our experts use specialized tools and techniques to alleviate compaction, restoring soil structure and enabling healthy root development.
________________________________________
With our expertise in soil and root management, Tree Health Management ensures your trees have the foundation they need to thrive. Schedule a consultation with one of our ISA Certified Arborists today to support the health and longevity of your landscape.