Soil composition and biological fertilization

Soil composition is, in my opinion, the fundamental basis of a healthy tree. Everything goes through the roots, as much for its hydration as for the nutrients necessary for its growth. It is therefore essential to keep the soil at an optimal rate of acidity and to keep the soil rich in organic matter. Several interventions can be made to improve the structure of your soil.

Organic matter

Organic matter is very important to create good texture for your soil. It is advisable to have a rich soil containing at least 20% organic matter. To achieve this, it is possible to calculate the amount of organic matter needed in order to have a soil rich in nutrients. It is advisable to use a good compost, because it is a durable enrichment. It is rich in humus and soil improvement can be seen in just a few days. A good compost is also rich in microscopic activity. These transform waste into a natural resource. It is also possible to insert earthworms to help break down organic matter and aerate the soil. Earthworms are also known to fight the outbreak of parasites in the soil.

An optimal pH level for your soil

There is a general rule regarding the potential of hydrogen in the soil for a healthy tree. Generally it is between 6.3 and 6.7, 7 being neutral. Which means that most trees like a little acid in the soil. But why? As a matter of fact it's simple. The soil is composed of basic nutrients and trace elements. The concentration of these elements is at its highest between 6.3 and 6.7 pH. This guarantees a presence of elements. Of course, there are some exceptions, some trees need a more acidic or alkaline soil, but the vast majority of trees have optimum growth between 6.3 and 6.7 pH. As for the Maple, it is a tree that is very sensitive to acidity and prefers a soil between 6.7 and 7.5 pH.

Mycorrhiza

A mycorrhiza is simply the result of the symbiotic association between fungi and roots of any plant. This mushroom appeared almost 450 million years ago but has largely disappeared from our soils due to the changes in our surrounding soil. However, this element is indispensable to all living plants. It is a network of mycelia that gather on the root hairs of the tree and capture more minerals in the soil. Nearly 30 to 40% of the minerals captured by mycorrhizae are returned to the root of the tree. It is said to be a symbiotic relationship because there is nutrient exchange between the root of the tree and the mycorrhiza. All without harming each other. In addition, mycorrhizae can send antibiotic elements to the tree when it is in contact with a bacterium.

With this in mind, we strongly recommend the injection of mycorrhizae into the soil as soon as your tree is planted and once the tree is fertilized.

Soil analysis and fertilization of trees

During an inspection of your tree, we are able to carry out a sampling of your soil to know its concentration in organic matter, nutrients and to know its potential of hydrogen. Thus, it is possible to make corrections in the soil according to the results obtained. The optimal way to fertilize a tree is through granular fertilization. These granules will be deposited in the ground through holes drilled for this purpose. The granules will decompose gradually and fertilize the roots directly. It is strongly recommended to fertilize the Ash Tree to optimize the strength of the tree against potential infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer. Moreover, during granular fertilization, it is strongly recommended to incorporate mycorrhizae into the soil.