Add soil amendments to soil to help new trees thrive.
A soil amendment is any product added to the soil to improve the soil's nurturing properties. Soil amendments range from fertilizers that boost the nutrient content of soil to conditioners such as organic substances that improve texture and drainage. Soil amendments help all plants, including trees, to thrive.
To Amend or Not to Amend
Amend the total root zone of the soil that a grown tree will cover at maturity. Amending just the backfill of a tree's planting pocket discourages a tree from sending roots outward and creates a potted plant effect. Because of the immense task of amending a large area, many university horticulturists discourage the practice of amending soil. If the soil is amended, it should be done with a plow to break up the soil and a spreader to evenly distribute the amendment over a wide area.
Soil Test
Soil amendment choice should be based on the results of a soil test. Many land grant universities operated by the state have agricultural programs that administer soil tests. A good soil testing laboratory as well as paperwork and sample collection procedures can be obtained by contacting a county extension service. A soil amendment will indicate the texture of the soil as well as the nutrient content and pH. The test also may indicate quantities needed to change the structure of soil.
Organic Amendmetns
Organic amendments are those made from the remains of once-living plant material. These amendments include soil conditioners and fertilizers. Examples of organic amendments include ground covers, bark mulches, composted manure, compost, peat moss and coir fiber. Some organic amendments, such as composted manure and compost, are rich in nutrients. Others, such as peat moss and coir fiber, contain no nutrients but are filled with soil conditioners that will boost the water retentive capacity and drainage of soil.
Inorganic Amendments
Inorganic amendments may include chemical or synthetic materials such as fertilizer, elemental sulfur or dolomite lime. They help to change the pH of soil as well as boost the nutrient content. Ideally, inorganic amendments should be added to the soil at least six weeks before planting to change the nutrient content or pH.
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