Soil Management
The single common denominator shared by all garden and landscape plants is their relationship with the soil. The soil environment is vital to the successful establishment and long-term growth of the plants in your landscape. Quality soil is more than the sum of its parts; it is a complex integration of its physical, chemical, and biological properties.
In addition to soil quality, the quantity of soil is also critically important. Site conditions that act as obstructions to adequate rooting area include:
- Pavement
- Building foundations
- Sub-surface ledge
- Compaction of soil
- Excessively dry or wet areas (including your lawn!)
Trees with any of these factors in their surroundings are forced to make due with less root mass, leaving them more susceptible to environmental stressors. Providing proper nourishment to plants is the best way to keep them healthy, and subsequently reduces the need for chemical control of pests and diseases. This is the cornerstone of successful organic farming - but it applies to ornamental landscape plants as well.
Through 15 years of conducting soil tests throughout the region, we have learned that the majority of our region's soils are chronically low in potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Further, our region’s soils tend to be sand-based and do not retain moisture as well as clay and loamy soils. This causes limitation to both the moisture available to the plant as well as the growth of beneficial microorganisms which are critical to self - sustaining soil fertility.
Our approach to address these regionally common deficiencies starts with an application of organic, low Nitrogen, and no Phosphorous formula. Then, we apply additional nutrient sources dependent on the unique soil conditions and plant species growing on your property. The result is a custom blended nutritional supplement, designed specifically for your plant’s needs.
In areas where soil conditions are especially challenging, we may recommend lab testing of the soil, and additional soil remediation treatments. This is often the case on newly developed properties. To learn more about these services, please visit our Root Zone Remediation page.
