Root & Soil Management

Root Management

The roots of the tree are the means by which the tree obtains water and soil nutrients. They also provide anchorage of the tree in the soil. Both of these functions are essential for a healthy, stable tree.

Tree roots are easily damaged by changes in soil level, trenching, soil compaction, drought and erosion. In turn, roots can also be problematic, sometimes causing damage to footpaths, walls and underground services. If the objective is to protect trees and infrastructure, it is essential to start with the roots.

At Northeast Horticultural Services, we provide the following root management services:

• • Establish Root Location
  • Installation of Root Barriers to Protect Hardscape
  • Root Pruning
  • Soil Injection Treatments
  • Mulch Application
  • Irrigation System Installation

 How Do We Manage Soil and Tree Roots?

One way we manage soil and roots is by using a tool called an air spade. The air spade allows for the quick and non-destructive excavation of soil for a variety of reasons. It is used a labor saving excavation tool that can be used to plant flowers and shrubs under the drip line of existing trees. It can create trenches in areas with utilities with minimum destruction to tree root systems.

The air spade is also a great diagnostic tool for sick trees. When we see problems above ground, it is generally associated with a problem that started in the root system. We use the air spade to excavate the soil without causing extensive damage to the root system.

Additionally, the air spade can be used for root collar excavations to expose girdling roots. It removes excess soil over the root flares to alleviate stress, and also used for root collar exposure for the treatment of root rot diseases. Most importantly, it can play a pivotal role in saving damaged trees. We use it to alleviate soil compaction and root damage caused by construction activity. The air spade process provides improved aeration to encourage new root growth.

If you have trees that are suffering and not flourishing, let us know. We will assess the tree and see if it will benefit from air spade technology.

Why Should You Care About Your Soil?

A gorgeous, healthy landscape begins with the soil. Testing the soil is an important step in determining soil chemistry, health of the soil, and discovering how to ensure optimal growing conditions for your plants.

We use soil testing because of the advantages it provides for improving your landscape. Most soil is lacking at least one essential nutrient. Soil that is nutrient deficient stresses the plant and results in insufficient growth and poor plant health. The first step to improving plant health is to have a soil analysis to diagnose if this is the source of your tree problem.

Our Soil Testing & Analysis Reports

Northeast Horticultural Services provides comprehensive soil analysis and detailed reports about the current health of your soil. Whether your goal is to improve plant health or maximize plant productivity, we offer testing services to identify problems with your plants and recommend the best way to improve the soil.

Standard testing services measure the calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and pH level of the soil. In addition, a standard test will provide information about the base saturation, cation exchange capacity, and lime requirement index. If you require more information, additional testing can be done to measure the zinc, iron, manganese, nitrates, soluble salts and organic matter in your soil.

We also offer complete Tree Care, Landscape Services, and Organic Services.

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