Soil Care and Tree Nutrition: All You Need to Know

Soil is the foundation of a healthy landscape. It is where your trees and plants get their nutrients, and it is important to give them the right kind of care if you want them to thrive. In this blog post, we will cover what you need to know about soil care and tree nutrition from your favorite TreeNewal ISA Certified Arborists. Soil health is essential for strong, healthy trees – make sure you are doing everything you can to preserve it!

What Is Soil Care and Tree Nutrition?

Soil care and tree nutrition is the process of ensuring that your trees and plants have the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. This includes making sure that the soil itself is healthy, as well as providing the right kind of nutrients for your specific plants. There are a few key things to know when it comes to soil care and tree nutrition:

• Soil health is essential for strong, healthy trees. Make sure you are doing everything you can to preserve it.
• The right nutrients are important for tree health. Be sure to consult with a certified arborist or TreeNewal specialist to determine what your trees need.
• Proper soil care can help prevent problems like root rot, pests, and disease. Soil that is too wet or too dry is more likely to experience these problems.

Choose the Right Tree

First, it is important to choose the right tree for your landscape. Not all trees are created equal – some are better suited to different soil types than others. When selecting a tree, make sure to consult with a certified arborist. They can help you choose a tree that will be happy and healthy in your particular landscape. For clay soil commonly found in North Texas, we recommend these trees:

– American elm (Ulmus americana)

– Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)

– Cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia)

– Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)

– Overcup oak (Quercus lyrata)

– Pecan (Carya illinoinensis)

– Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata)

– Chinkapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii )

These are just a few of the many trees that will do well in clay soil.

Add Organic Matter

Second, healthy soil is full of organic matter. This includes leaves, twigs, and other plant debris. Adding organic matter to your soil helps improve its structure, which in turn helps your tree’s roots get the oxygen and water they need. It also provides essential nutrients for tree growth. Does composting also help? You bet!

Mulching also helps protect tree roots from extreme temperatures and provides nutrients as it breaks down. Use an organic mulch like wood chips, leaves, or straw. Apply it around the base of the tree, being careful not to pile it too high against the trunk.

Get the most out of mulching and composting solutions in our recent posts:

• How to Make Your Own DIY Mulch

• How Do I Use Compost in My Garden

Balance Your Soil Nutrition

Second, trees need a balance of different nutrients to stay healthy. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are all important for tree growth. Soil test results can help you determine which nutrients your soil is lacking and how to correct the imbalance. Cultivate your soil nutrition by adding organic matter and the right kind of fertilizer for your trees.

Tree Nutrients for Soil Health

The nutrients most commonly needed by trees are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

• Nitrogen is important for leaf growth and green color, as well as overall tree health.
• Phosphorus helps with root development and flower production.
• Potassium aids in water uptake, photosynthesis, and cold tolerance.

When these nutrients are lacking, trees may show signs of stress such as yellowing leaves, poor growth, and reduced resistance to disease. So how do you know what your trees need? The best way is to consult with a certified arborist or TreeNewal specialist. They can test your soil and provide specific recommendations for what nutrients to add.

Adding organic matter to your soil is the best way to improve its fertility and structure. Compost, manure, and other organic materials add essential nutrients and improve drainage and aeration. If you need to add fertilizer, be sure to choose one that is appropriate for your trees.

Leave Room to Grow

Last but not least, trees need a certain amount of space to grow. Soil that is too compacted can prevent tree roots from getting the oxygen and water they need. When planting new trees, be sure to loosen the soil and add organic matter before you put them in the ground. Once they are planted, give them room to spread their roots by mulching around the base of the tree.

Be careful not to damage tree roots when you are working in the garden or doing yard work. Avoid using power equipment that could compact the soil, and do not dig too close to tree roots.

When in Doubt – Count on TreeNewal

Caring for your soil is one of the best things you can do for your trees. By taking the time to improve its health, you will create a foundation that will support your trees for years to come. If you have any questions about tree nutrition or soil care, reach out to TreeNewal. Take care of your soil and give your trees the nutrition they need, and you will have a landscape that thrives for years to come!

If you need advice or assistance with tree nutrition services around Dallas, get in touch with the ISA Certified Arborists at TreeNewal and enjoy tailored tree care advice.

To learn more about Soil Care and Tree Nutrition: All You Need to Know, call our Argyle and Southlake-based teams

at (817) 592-6846 or send us a message.

We’re a little different than the average tree services company.

Learn more about TreeNewal’s ISA Certified Arborists!

Our Dallas/Fort Worth-based tree doctors can explain how sustainable tree care services add more value to your bottom line.

Healthy trees, healthy lives.