Getting your tree’s soil tested now can keep it healthy for the fall and winter seasons.
Urban areas such as the DC/Baltimore area present unique challenges to tree health. Some of the stresses trees face in this area include compacted soil, competition with turf for scarce nutrients, and restricted root zones. For commercial properties with trees, the increased foot traffic and higher density of buildings provide even greater stress. To prepare your trees to survive the autumn and winter, you ought to have your soil tested. A soil test can help you choose the right plan of treatment so your trees will stay healthy year-round.
What’s In Your Soil?
Soil mainly contains macronutrients (including nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur, magnesium, calcium, and potassium) as well as micronutrients like iron and zinc. While the nutrients are essential for tree growth, they may not be present at the proper levels to encourage it. Soil pH levels and texture levels can also help or hinder the tree growth process. What’s more, soil tested on one piece of property may have different characteristics than soil tested in a different area of the same property!
Soil Testing Works
Fertilizing your trees without a soil test is a waste of time, effort, and money. You may not see any results after application. Not only that, the fertilization may actually hurt the soil and plants within the landscape. A soil test can determine exactly what your soil and trees need, and can lead to better fertilization planning. Not only will this benefit your immediate environment, but you won’t be wasting time and money with the misapplication of fertilizers that don’t treat the problem.
Autumn is the Best Time for a Soil Test
Having the soil test done in the autumn is a good move. Two vital areas of tree health can be addressed at the same time. Trees don’t grow foliage during the autumn or winter, so nutrients added are used for root development, strengthening the tree. Secondly, any excess nutrients can be stored by the tree and used during the following Spring growth.
Call Nelson Tree Specialist for Specialty Tree Services.
We are experts and want to work with you to provide the best care for your trees. After we’re done, your trees will be thriving and safe as they beautify your landscape. Contact us today for your free quote. We will respond in a timely manner. If you need us, we’re available for emergency services 24/7. No task is too much to ask.
Nelson Tree Specialist is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture, and they have dubbed us a certified arborist. We’re also an accredited business as declared by the Better Business Bureau, and highly reviewed on Angie’s List.
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