Trees in the urban environment are often found in less than ideal growing conditions which may include:
- compacted, oxygen-poor soils
- soils lacking in organic material
- minimal space or soil (trees surrounded by parking lots/pavement on all sides)
- lack of proper irrigation/change to drainage during nearby construction.
These obstacles and stressors can inhibit growth, leave the tree susceptible to pest and disease, and cause the decline of valuable specimen trees. Continual leaf pickup, lack of soil amendments and heavy rainfall also leave soils lacking the appropriate nutrients required for proper tree growth.
Proper installation of new trees, improving soil by amending, and assuring adequate irrigation can minimize stress to trees.
Another effective and valuable means of improving the health of your trees and shrubs is with a soil injection system. This high-pressure system injects a water soluble or suspended slow release fertilizer six-to-eight inches into the soil surface. The system aerates and waters at the same time and additional products can be added to improve soil conditions.
When To Use Soil Injection
- Trees that are stressed:
- before or after construction
- poor site conditions
- trees showing signs of pests and/or disease.
- Hedging – to encourage dense growth or prior to hard pruning to encourage new growth and minimize stress.
- Trees and shrubs with minimal soil like those in planters found around condos or in formed landscapes.