Fertilizing and soil health care

Trees and shrubs are subjected to a myriad of factors that effect their growth. However, the four basic elements that limit a plant or tree from reaching its growth potential in any given season are sunlight, water, temperature and nutrients. The growth of a tree is limited to the factor that is least available and any improvement in the other factors will not help unless this shortage is alleviated. For example, a tree can have unlimited water, sunlight and nutrients but without an appropriate temperature it cannot grow. This is called the Law of Limiting Factor. On a typical residential garden the limiting factors are usually water and nutrients. Nutrient deficiency can be managed actively through the process of deep root fertilizing or our Organic Soil Solutions programs. Shady Lane can fertilize your tree or shrub, returning and replenishing the nutrients that have been depleted from the soil system. Depleted soil systems are caused by a lack of organic matter or leaf matter decomposing. We can also recommend and create a watering program to best manage your trees.

Gro-Gun

The effects of a compacted soil system can be harmful to a tree. Compacted soil prevents air and gaseous exchange, stunts the development of fine absorbing root hairs and retards the penetration of water through the soil. These factors create a shallow, weak soil system and subsequently, weak root systems. We can use a Gro-Gun to alleviate soil compaction. This process uses pressurized air to fracture and loosen the soil to create new pockets of air space. A liquid soluble fertilizer is then injected into these air pockets. This two-step process also adds moisture to the soil and allows the root system of a tree or shrub to access a greater soil volume. Trees in newly constructed residential neighborhoods, trees next to new paved driveways and trees near high traffic areas may suffer the harmful effects of compacted soils.

Gro-Gun

Air Spade

The air spade is a unique system that allows us to remove the soil at the base of any tree or shrub with very minimal damage to the root system. Investigation of roots is an asset to assess a tree’s potential of failure or lack of health. If a tree is in poor growing conditions, we can backfill the root system with a high quality compost or mulch blend. This allows a longevity of life for mature trees in poor growing conditions where fertilizers are not appropriate.

Soil Amendment

Mulching your trees shrubs and flower beds is one of the most beneficial things a homeowner can do for soil life, water management and weed management. Mulch can feed your soil by creating a layer of decomposing organic matter; healthy soil creates healthy trees. We can help you decide where mulching can play a key role on your property.

One of our most innovative programs is Organic Soil Solutions. Using the highest quality blends of organic compost tea to amend your soil, we can vastly improve the biodiversity, structure, and health of your soil. We can also apply the compost tea to the leaves of your trees to fight insect and disease. For more information please go to organicsoilsolutions.ca