Is There Something Wrong With My Soil?

Sometimes we plant a tree and it just doesn’t work out. We can’t seem to identify any signs of pest infestation or wildlife tampering, nor evidence of tree disease. So why is your tree not thriving? The answer could be in the soil. Continue reading to learn how soil can affect tree health, and what you can do to determine the condition of your soil.

Dead Tree Removal 317-537-9770

Dead Tree Removal 317-537-9770


Soil plays an important role in tree health because it efficiently regulates water, filters out pollutants, and produces critical nutrients. Soil must be healthy to accomplish all of these duties, otherwise a tree cannot survive. There are many factors that can influence soil health, including water drainage, organic matter, nutrition, and more. In order to determine the condition of your garden soil, you must have it tested.

Soil Testing Options

You can test soil yourself by using a store-bought soil testing kit. These are available in all difference packages and prices at any local home improvement or garden store. These kits generally aim to test the soil for levels of moisture, light, and pH. Often times, deficient soil nutrition can be caused by acidic or alkaline soil.

You can also test your soil without a kit by simply examining it up close. Start by digging up a sample in the morning or afternoon when light is best. Then take your time to inspect the soil to determine if it appears healthy or not.

Healthy Soil vs. Unhealthy Soil

Healthy soil will be darker in color and have a richer appearance. It will also contain plant and animal evidence like worms and fungi. In order for soil to be healthy, it must have sufficient water drainage, balanced nutrition, proper compaction, a presence of organic matter. These are some of the most common causes of poor soil health. Signs of poor soil health include the formation of crusts, too much compaction, contamination of pesticides and similar toxins, salt accumulation, and erosion.

Drainage Testing

To test water drainage, dig a hole 12 inches deep into your soil. Then fill the hole with water, all the way to the top. After 30 minutes, check the hole to see how much water is left. If you can still see water, you have a soil drainage problem.

Did Unhealthy Soil Kill Your Tree?

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Call 317-537-9770 for prompt and professional dead tree removal in Fishers, Indiana. We are experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of commercial and residential tree services, from routine tree care to major tree work, and everything in between. On top of the most competitive prices in town, we also offer tree service coupons and discounts. Request a free estimate, today.