City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1537178
ucfsociety.org 17 Specifications for soil assessment and/ or management shall include: • Objectives of the assessment and treat- ment (i.e., what is being examined) • Locations of the plant(s) and or/site (e.g., sub- urban/urban, new development, soil sample area) • Lab assessment / treatment methodology Soil modifications generally fall into three categories: the soil's physical properties, chemical properties, or bio- logical properties. Modifications include soil amending, mulching, tilling/cultivation, compaction reduction, irrigation, microbial inoculations, and improving drainage. There are three phases of soil management: Pre-planting is generally the least expensive time for modification because no roots are in the way. Planting and establishment is most important as we introduce the tree roots to the soil texture and available moisture. Growth is dependent on avoiding root damage while improving soil conditions. Simple Mulch Treatments: Coarse wood chip mulch that contains wood chips, some leaf material, and minor bark material can be mixed and spread over the soil from 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm), depending on the site needs. The flare must not be buried by soil or mulch. Over time, the mulch will break down and need to be replenished. Fertilization and pH adjustment: These are popular treatments because people like an easy fix. However, many fertilizers are salts. Salts are used to kill many competing bacteria and fungi in food preservation, and road salt consistently kills and damages trees. Yet, this is a profitable (usually repetitive) treatment for many lawn and tree care companies. Adjusting pH is not easy or simple. Certain treatments may help move the pH in the desired direction. Bringing soils into their natural state with a happy microbiome that can assist the roots in doing their work is the desired approach and keeps trees growing without continuous treatments. Drainage and moisture content are also covered in the ANSI standard. Wet soil with no oxygen is not a healthy condition for roots. Mitigation of obstructing water flow towards trees, subsurface drainage, and surface drainage are all methods to avoid flooded soils. We cannot control heavy winter water flow and >> Soil protection around a London plane tree (Platanus x acerifolia) during urban development.