Deep-root fertilizing of trees and shrubs, if properly done, can be very beneficial. Fertilization can improve the overall health of trees and shrubs so they are more resistant to environmental stresses such as drought, insect damage, or disease.
In a a tree's natural forest environment, leaf litter, dead branches, and trees fall to the ground and decay over time. As a result, the nutrient level in the soil rises, helping the surrounding plants become stronger and healthier. However, in an urban environment, branches, trees and leaves that fall into our yards are usually removed. As a result, the soil in our yards can eventually become nutrient deficient, resulting in weak trees. In addition to nutrient deficiency, urban pressures such as construction, over-mulching, soil compaction, and limited growing space can create stress for trees. A deep-root fertilization program can help improve soil condition, therefore reducing a tree's overall stress level.
Fertilizer is injected into the soil or directly into the trunk of a tree using specialized equipment. It is important to use a balanced amount of fertilizer and to complete the procedure at the correct time of year. In general, trees will benefit from deep-root fertilization every two or three years. Symptoms of a nutrient-deficient tree include slow growth of twigs and trunk, smaller-than-normal foliage, off-color foliage, increased amounts of dead branches, tip die-back in branches, and increased disease or insect problems.
Our fertilizer contains mycorrhizal fungi which naturally exists in woodland soils. This beneficial fungus will attach itself to the root system of a host plant. With the help of mycorrhizal fungi, the host plant can more efficiently extract nutrients and water from surrounding soil. Although the benefits from this symbiotic relationship continue over time, urban situations usually call for additional applications of mychorrizal fungi.
Carroll Tree Service uses a bio-stimulant formulation that includes beneficial micro-nutrients and rhizosphere bacteria applied through a series of soil injections. These bacteria work with micro-organisms already present in the soil to facilitate the uptake of nutrients - effectively "jump starting" the recovery process. While not successful in all cases, the application of bio-stimulants can be the first step in a restorative plant health care program for valuable trees experiencing significant stress.
Traditional fertilizers can cause significant damage when applied at high temperatures. Bio-stimulants can be an good alternative to provide struggling trees a needed boost in the heat of the summer.
Deep-root watering is used on trees to alleviate injury due to drought damage. The process involves the injection of water into the soil through a pressurized needle – in order to get water directly to the roots of a tree. Trees suffering from drought injury can show symptoms suddenly or they can take years to show signs of damage. Drought injury may not kill a tree outright, but the effects can weaken trees and leave it vulnerable to insects or disease. Deep root watering is not as simple as one may think! For the procedure to be effective, the correct amount of water and proper method should be used. Some ways which we base these decisions are the type of tree, its individual root system, temperature, humidity, and rainfall.