Ask the Tree Doctor
Guest post by Eric Berry of The Care of Trees
Question:
I keep reading about The Care of Trees SoilCare program but I have yet to try it for my own trees. Why should I choose to do this sort of program?
Answer:
Managing trees in urban landscapes should involve working with the tree/soil system. The physical, chemical, and biological components of soils all impact this system. As with human health, we shouldn't just focus on one aspect of care. Exercise, nutrition, diet, mental and physical stress, and disease management are all important. A well-rounded health plan will include managing as many aspects as possible.
The same is true for plant health programs. We use compost teas, but do not rely solely upon them. Teas are never used by themselves alone. They are always combined with other plant health care tactics. While not every program includes every tactic, we can use teas in conjunction with humic acids, kelp extracts, composts, synthetic and natural organic fertilizers, polyamino acids, chelated micronutrients, mulches and physical techniques such as vertical mulching, radial trenching and soil replacement. The use of these tactics can help improve soils by supplying nutrients for plant growth, improving nutrient cycling in the soil and absorption by roots, more biological activity in the soil which can improve soil structure, leading to better water and air movement and root growth within the soil.
Remember too, teas and other natural organic compounds are a method to add organic carbon into the soil. Adding organic matter to the compacted and/or structurally and texturally challenged soils common to urban areas is a recommended practice. Teas are a mix of living microorganisms and organic matter in a liquid form. Compost and mulches add organisms and organic matter in a solid form. Every tactic has advantages and disadvantages. By combining tactics, we can see benefits beyond the benefits or disadvantages of any single tactic.
Nature can improve soil by the addition of organic matter. Teas are one method, but not the only method, for adding organic matter with the goal of improving soil conditions. We utilize teas, but do not expect them to solve all problems. They serve as one tactic among many that we employ at The Care of Trees.
Do you have a question for the tree doctor?
If so, e-mail treedoctor@thecareoftrees.com. Selected questions will be answered by resident entomologist at The Care of Trees, Dr. Rex Bastian. We may also feature your questions and Dr. Rex's answers in future editions of our printed newsletter and e-newsletters, Arbor Topics and e-Arbor Topics.
Question:
I keep reading about The Care of Trees SoilCare program but I have yet to try it for my own trees. Why should I choose to do this sort of program?
Answer:
Managing trees in urban landscapes should involve working with the tree/soil system. The physical, chemical, and biological components of soils all impact this system. As with human health, we shouldn't just focus on one aspect of care. Exercise, nutrition, diet, mental and physical stress, and disease management are all important. A well-rounded health plan will include managing as many aspects as possible.
The same is true for plant health programs. We use compost teas, but do not rely solely upon them. Teas are never used by themselves alone. They are always combined with other plant health care tactics. While not every program includes every tactic, we can use teas in conjunction with humic acids, kelp extracts, composts, synthetic and natural organic fertilizers, polyamino acids, chelated micronutrients, mulches and physical techniques such as vertical mulching, radial trenching and soil replacement. The use of these tactics can help improve soils by supplying nutrients for plant growth, improving nutrient cycling in the soil and absorption by roots, more biological activity in the soil which can improve soil structure, leading to better water and air movement and root growth within the soil.
Remember too, teas and other natural organic compounds are a method to add organic carbon into the soil. Adding organic matter to the compacted and/or structurally and texturally challenged soils common to urban areas is a recommended practice. Teas are a mix of living microorganisms and organic matter in a liquid form. Compost and mulches add organisms and organic matter in a solid form. Every tactic has advantages and disadvantages. By combining tactics, we can see benefits beyond the benefits or disadvantages of any single tactic.
Nature can improve soil by the addition of organic matter. Teas are one method, but not the only method, for adding organic matter with the goal of improving soil conditions. We utilize teas, but do not expect them to solve all problems. They serve as one tactic among many that we employ at The Care of Trees.
Do you have a question for the tree doctor?
If so, e-mail treedoctor@thecareoftrees.com. Selected questions will be answered by resident entomologist at The Care of Trees, Dr. Rex Bastian. We may also feature your questions and Dr. Rex's answers in future editions of our printed newsletter and e-newsletters, Arbor Topics and e-Arbor Topics.
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