plant health care Soil Improvment & Fertilizing

Pest and disease problems with your trees can often be prevented or controlled by first promoting overall tree health before chemical options are considered. This is best achieved by, proper pruning of the tree's crown, mulching the tree's rooting area, and applying organic fertilizer by means of deep root injection.

A healthy tree is more able to protect itself from pest and disease, while an unhealthy and stressed tree is more susceptible to infection and infestation.

The application of a thick layer of arborist's mulch over a tree's roots aims to mimic the naturally occurring organic material found on a forest-floor. In a forest environment, the layer of decomposing leaf, branch and plant material forms the ideal conditions for healthy soil and root development.

A mulch ring installed around the trunk of a tree will shade the tree's rooting area, keeping it cool, and help to retain vital soil moisture during the hot and dry summer months. As the mulch decomposes it releases nutrients into the soil that are used by the tree for health and growth. The decomposing mulch also improves the soil biology below, including growth of beneficial fungi that bind to the tree roots, increasing their 'reach' and function. Mulching also helps to reduce soil compaction, and improves soil aeration and drainage.

Deep Root Injection is a method of forcing water, under pressure, into the upper soil layers to improve the soil's structure and deliver organic fertilizer directly to the area where the roots are.

Firstly, the injected water fractures the soil, making gaps for water drainage and soil aeration, allowing fine roots to grow more easily. Also, the organic fertilizer binds to the soil, making it available for root uptake over time; and the added Mychorrizal fungi colonize the soil, helping root function. And the tree gets a good water at the same time!

This treatment can revitalize trees that may be stressed from construction, poor site conditions, pests/disease, or growing in planters with minimal soil. 

Yes. Thinning a tree's crown and removing small branches from its centre will allow air flow and light penetration, letting the morning dew dry faster. As pests and disease generally favour shady and damp conditions, pruning can help a tree become more resistant to health problems.

You will likely need the skills, knowledge and tools of a qualified arborist for larger pruning works, spraying, and deep root injection; but there are many things you can do yourself to help your trees be more resistant to pest and disease.

You can promote above-ground tree hygiene by, removing leaves from around an infected tree in the fall, and pruning smaller branches that limit air flow in the spring. These actions can limit disease establishment, re-infection and the spread of pathogens to other trees.

You can also improve rooting and soil conditions by mulching, watering, applying organic fertilizer, planting shrubs to shade a rooting area or removing unwanted trees that are shading the canopy of a more valuable tree.