Published April 2, 2002 By ARBORILOGICAL SERVICES
Keep the turf pulled back off the root-ball of newly planted trees. This reduces competition for moisture and nutrients as well as unnecessary line trimmer and mower damage.
Keep in mind that raising lower limbs can reduce diameter growth because the food generated in the lower limbs primarily stays in the lower portion of the tree.
A regular fertilization program is recommended for two major reasons:
- Nutrients are returned to the soil when leaves, twigs, and debris are allowed to decompose into humus. In most landscape settings this is not likely to occur.
- A sub-soil hydraulic injection of our fertilizer in a water-soluble solution creates fractures in the soil where roots can grow. The fracturing is especially beneficial in our tight clay soils and in compacted soils.
Avoid the practice of piling mulch or soil against the base of your tree. This practice can cause deterioration of the outer and inner bark (phloem) which transports food (photosynthate) throughout the tree and creates the opportunity for girdling roots to form. Keep your tree healthy and happy with visible root flares.
And, if you didn't know...Arborilogical Services has free mulch available for pick-up at our Wylie location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Bring a shovel or a pitchfork and load up!