What You Need to Know About Your Soil

There is no better way to upgrade your landscaping than to enhance your lawns and gardens. Trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass that look great make all the difference when it comes to curb appeal. In fact, a better-looking landscape can increase property value. This is a good tip for those planning to list their house or building for sale. However, it takes more than water and sunshine to get great results. Before you get to the growing part, you must start with a strong basis: healthy soil.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about soil in order to grow the healthiest and prettiest flora!

Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770
Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770

Healthy Soil

You can tell the difference between healthy soil and unhealthy soil simply by taking a look. Healthy soil is rich in color, and contains a minimal level of moisture and softness. It will also contain organic matter, like earthworms and other insects. Unhealthy soil will be just the opposite: compacted, dry, dull in color, and crumbly.

Beyond what the eye can detect, healthy soil has addition attributes that contrast the properties of unhealthy soil. For instance, healthy soil is full of nutrients and organic matter, and contains the proper pH levels conducive to plant growth. Unhealthy soil lacks sufficient nutrients, and may even contain high levels of salts, pesticides, or other toxins.

Soil Testing

You can start with a soil test kit to determine the condition of your garden’s soil. Soil test kits are available at any local home improvement or gardening store, and range in price depending on brand, size, and quality. These kits test the pH levels of the soil, which denotes its acidity or basicity. Depending on its deficiencies, you will need to balance the soil’s levels out by making it more alkaline or acidic. The pH scale ranges from acidic to alkaline, on a numerical scale from 1 to 14, with a 7 being neutral.

Soil Fertilization

If you are required to fertilize your soil in order to improve its conditions, the best method is sub-surface application. Add the fertilizer to your soil before planting anything for best results. Once the tree or plant is in the ground, you can provide surface applications as needed or recommended by your Fishers tree service provider. If soil fertilization is not effective, your tree care contractor may suggest foliar spraying or trunk injections.

When it comes to choosing a soil fertilizer, there is a wrong and right choice. Be sure to choose a product that is 50% slow-release with a salt-index of less than 50. You do not want a fertilizer with a high ratio of potassium and phosphorous. Instead, go with a quality, nitrogen-based fertilizer. The general rule of thumb for application is between 2 and 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

Do You Need Professional Tree Care?

Call 317-537-9770 for professional and affordable Fishers tree service to keep your trees healthy all season long. We are experienced tree care contractors who provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including routine tree service, major tree work, lot clearing, and more.

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