Soil provides nourishment for the tree’s root system, so healthy soil is essential for a healthy tree! Make sure you’re planting your tree in the healthiest soil possible. Many trees on our property battle an unseen danger: compacted soil. That’s when the particles of the soil are packed together so tightly that air and water can’t find a way between them to get to the roots. Soil often gets packed down in back yards and in parks and parkways, where children play and where there is a lot of foot traffic. As you walk or have heavy equipment like lawn mowers zip over the ground near your tree, the weight packs soil particles closer together. So, your tree’s soil becomes compacted Consequently, compacted soil makes it difficult for water to flow through to the tree roots, causing runoff and dehydration. It causes roots to not getting enough nutrients, leading to slowed growth. Therefore the tree cannot thrive because of the lack of water and limited air flow. We will give you some tips on how to prevent compacted soil.
Mulch Around Trees
If the problem is minor, mix compost into the top 8 to 10 inches of soil to add a surge of nutrients. Then, create a mulch ring around the tree. Just be sure to avoid over mulching! Hopefully, this will prevent people (and lawn mowers) from compacting the soil again.
A wide layer of mulch over a tree’s root zone will discourage people from walking or playing there.
Let Soil Dry Out
When it’s wet, soil is easily compacted, so let it dry out thoroughly before you walk on it.
Place Steppingstones or Make Paths
Flat stones will give you places to set your feet and distribute your weight more widely so you compact soil less. Make paths because foot traffic is a common cause of compacted soil. If you know you will need to cross a tree’s root zone often, place a few steppingstones to distribute your weight. In high-traffic areas, make a path (using pavers so water can seep through).
Plan Construction Projects Carefully
Are you planning to build or remodel a home? Are your city’s streets, curbs, sidewalks, and buried utilities about to be widened, modernized, or replaced? Before you start, consider the impact of construction on your trees. Trees and shrubs contribute to property values by enhancing appearance, reducing noise, cutting energy costs, screening unsightly views, and attracting songbirds and other wildlife. Unfortunately, trees meant to be part of a property’s permanent landscape often are needlessly damaged or killed during construction. Careful planning and coordination with a tree-care specialist and your builder can reduce damage and save you the trouble and expense of treating or removing injured plants. Before the project starts, fence off the root zone of a tree at least as far as the branches extend. Store materials and equipment on a paved surface such as the driveway. Avoid driving or carrying heavy loads across the soil if you can. If it’s unavoidable, lay sheets of thick plywood over the soil to help distribute the weight. After the project, watch a tree carefully for signs of decline. It may take several years for damage from compacted soil to show up.
Trees are generally hearty and built to withstand extreme elements offered by Mother Nature. Simple precautions to protect the soil around them will go along way toward ensuring their fundamental growing conditions.
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About A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping
A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping can beautify your lawn and landscaping using our vast experience in turf grass management. Our complete lawn service is designed for both residential and commercial lawns and we keep your lawn healthy without harming your family, staff, or pets.