Deep Root Fertilization: Helping Trees Survive the Summer Heat

For us, summertime means fun in the sun. While we may be busy making vacation plans, we should also consider preparing our trees for the seasonal challenges they will soon face. Warmer months can cause issues such as leaf scorch and root dehydration. As we protect ourselves with sunscreen, trees need their own defenses.

How can we give our trees a head start before summer temperatures rise? Unfortunately, standard surface fertilizing doesn’t always cut it. Deep root fertilization (DRF) is an advanced process that adds muscle to a tree’s infrastructure, making it stronger as the environment becomes problematic.

What is Deep Root Fertilization?

You may ask yourself, “How does deep root fertilization work?” DRF targets a tree’s critical root zone by injecting a pressurized liquid soil conditioner directly into that specific area. It brings critical nutrients straight to the roots. As a result DRF, encourages growth, bolsters tree health, and aerates the soil. The process helps make sure nutrients aren’t evaporated by the sun or hijacked by surface turf. This is important for trees in urban areas as the soil is often compacted, which keeps water and oxygen from reaching the tree’s feeder roots.

Building Drought Resistance Through Root Density

According to the Oregon State University Extension Service, thoroughly soaking the root zone encourages roots to develop deep in the soil. It’s important to saturate the area to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. DRF replicates this and proves superior to surface watering, because it provides nutrients directly to the roots, allowing them to thrive and become stronger during a drought. It stimulates fine root hair production, which helps retain moisture for longer periods.

How DRF Fills the Urban Soil Deficiency Gap

In forest settings, falling leaves create a natural compost loop. This circle of life allows decaying leaves the opportunity to return critical nutrients back to the soil. At home, we break this loop by raking leaves and our trees ultimately suffer. A study from the North Carolina State Extension says this fact makes supplemental fertilization a critical process in an urban environment. DRF helps replace that missing organic layer by giving trees the nutrient boost they need to survive and flourish, especially during the summer heat.

Let a Premier Tree Solutions Expert Provide DRF for Your Trees

Trees are arguably your landscape’s most valuable players. With DRF, you get the added assurance your trees are receiving the nourishment they require to flourish before the temperatures skyrocket.

Contact Premier Tree Solutions for a soil assessment and possible DRF treatment. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

Storm Season Survival Guide: Identifying Hazard Trees Before the Rain

Spring and summer remain Georgia’s rainiest seasons. While precipitation obviously helps trees and other flora thrive, a heavy rain can sometimes cause a tree hazard.

The calm before the storm is the best time to be proactive and avoid potential tree problems. A Premier Tree Solutions pre-storm tree inspection can help save money and even lives in the long run.

The following are three of the most common signs of potential hazards.

Root Zone Disturbances and Leaning

Roots anchor trees, and the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach quickly points out that strong, stormy winds can potentially blow over a tree with compromised roots, especially when the soil is wet. Keep an eye out for exposed or decayed roots as well as fungus growth or cracks in the soil located within the root plate.

Has a tree developed a sudden lean? According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, a lean that worsens quickly is a warning sign of impending failure. Another major red flag is a tree with a lean where the soil on the opposite side is lifting. Both of these conditions make a tree extremely vulnerable during a rainstorm and call for immediate attention.

V-Shaped Bark Unions

Do you notice any V-shaped unions on a tree’s branches? These have weak attachment points and are more subjective to split or break during a windy rainstorm. The Purdue University Extension recommends eliminating these branches, especially those with tight or narrow branch junctions. Branches with bark inclusion, which means bark has grown inward between two stems, are problematic as well.

Internal Decay and Deadwood

Internal decay and deadwood make a tree more susceptible to falling during a storm. However, these invisible dangers can be difficult to spot. Holes from woodpeckers or previous pruning, deep cavities, and sunken or peeling segments of bark are all signs of internal wood decay. Other signals of internal decay include fungal growth on the trunk, roots, or branches, spongy or soft wood, cracks and splits, and a swollen base of the trunk. Keep in mind a tree may look healthy on the outside, but could be experiencing internal decay.

Tree branches not receiving enough nutrients to survive naturally die off. If a tree’s branches aren’t presenting buds or don’t have leaves, that portion of the tree has likely become deadwood. Beware of sizable, brittle branches without leaves. These are indicative of deadwood and can fall during even a mild rainstorm.

When to Call Premier Tree Solutions

With a little education, you can spot signs of trees that might fall during a rainstorm. However, it’s important to rely on a professional to take proactive measures.

Don’t be left out in the rain. Have Premier Tree Solutions inspect your trees today to make sure your property weathers the storm. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.