Soil Sampling

Soil: The Foundation of Tree Health

Soils can tell us a lot about tree health, and can ultimately be the determining factor of whether a tree will thrive or fail on a particular site.

Soils are complex, living ecosystems that are commonly not ideal in our urban environment. Soils can be a primary cause of tree decline and/or health issues and can make your tree susceptible to “secondary” attack by insects and disease-causing organisms.

Soil texture (i.e. sand, clay, silt composition), pH, organic matter mix, and nutrient content all influence how our trees grow and thrive. Everything from compaction to a lack of biological activity (“dead” soils) can prevent soils from functioning property.

A tree trunk with a trench dug around it, surrounded by lawn with small soil testing holes.

Soil Sampling Guides Tree Care

Soil sampling may be recommended for a number of reasons, including:

  • site specific species selection, for new plantings;

  • to determine soil chemical characteristics (i.e. pH) as it relates to nutrient deficiency and long-term deficiency correction;

  • to make prescription fertilization recommendations;

  • to assess the structure and physical properties of the soil, to address stunted tree growth or signs of decline, disease, or insect infestation.

Free Soil Consult

Our arborist would be happy to discuss whether soil sampling is right for your trees or for your project. Click below to set up a free initial consultation with our arborist today.