Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Soil Compaction Symptoms and Solutions

What Is Soil Compaction?

Rain is a good thing, right? Yes, all your landscape plants need water, and rain is the best source for that water. Too much rain, however, can lead to problems like root rot and foliar fungal diseases. High amounts of rain can also cause soil compaction. I know what you’re probably thinking: “What is soil compaction?” Soil compaction is caused by soil particles settling together, reducing or eliminating the amount of oxygen and water space available. Welcome back to biology class!

How Does Soil Compaction Impact My Plants?

What does reducing air space in the soil mean for your plants? As the air space is reduced, soil compaction occurs and plants begin to struggle. Soil compaction reduces the plant’s ability to grow roots; oxygen and water availability in the soil will decrease as well. Your soil becomes hydrophobic, or unable to absorb water. Compacted soil is one of the most common problems in the landscape, especially on newly constructed sites. Plants suffering from compaction stress will have shallow root systems, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. Sometimes plants can show signs of compaction stress for years before starting to lose viability.

soil compaction serviceWe Have a Program That’s Right For You

So, what are you supposed to do? There are several ways to help your plants survive. A 2-3″ layer of good, dye-free organic mulch will help maintain moisture in the soil. Soil Decompaction is also an effective treatment used to relieve some compaction stress. All of your trees and shrubs need care and maintenance and we have special programs to fit your specific needs. Talk to one of our arborists today about a tree and shrub evaluation on your property.

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