by Robert Pavlis
Deep root dressing is a recommended procedure by many arborists , and equipment is available for DIY homeowners . Is it the best way to fertilize trees ? Do they need to be fertilized ?
In deep etymon fertilization for trees , you flummox a pipage into the soil about 6 ” to 12″ and then , under pressure , squirt fertilizer into the ground . The theory is that since tree roots are deeply down in the priming coat , this method gets plant food to the tree solution faster and other plants such as Gunter Grass or perennials do not steal it off from trees .
It is interesting that the International Society of Arboriculture ( ISA ) recognizes this as a garden myth , and yet many ISA certified arborist still sell the service . accord to the ISA,“You do n’t require to do ‘ deep ascendent fertilization’to reach their root system — most of the trees ’ unchewable , absorbing roots are in the top eight inches of soil . ”A recent review of uncommitted literature by Daniel K. Struve conclude that , “ Little difference has been found among fertilizer app program methods ; broadcast applications are as effectual as subsurface app . ”
Most absorbing tree diagram theme are found in the top 2 ” to 8″ of soil where water and oxygen are abundant . Fertilizer localize below this level does little for the tree and is in fact environmentally harmful .
If you have healthy soil , you credibly do n’t want to fertilize . The problem in our urban landscape is that we remove the tree allow for each fall . The leaves are nature ’s elbow room to inseminate the trees ; by removing them you are remove the food for future age .
Grass growing on top of trees beginning will contend for nutrients . Grass can also be a trouble if you need to apply high levels of atomic number 7 for the trees , since this will burn the grass .
Deep rootage fertilization can be done in the following ways .
Best Practices
drop a line by Robert Pavlis , author of three book , , Garden Myths , Soil Science for GardenersandBuilding Natural Ponds . Have a interrogative sentence for Robert – connect on his Facebook Group : Garden Fundamentals
