Soil is the most crucial element for the healthy growth of a tree. All soils have some things in common — nutrients, minerals, water, liquids, air, and gases. Trees rely on the soil for anchorage, nutrients, and water, so it’s important that you choose the right type of soil. Each tree requires a different soil, so what works for one may not work for another.
Here in this post, we’ll give you information about how to find the right soil for your tree.
#What are different soil types
Sandy
The sandy soil is acidic, lacks nutrients, and is warm. It is gritty to touch, and its large pores make water easy to travel through. By adding organic matter, you can enhance the water retention capacity of this soil.
Clay
Clay soil is nutrient-rich and holds water well. It is heavy and compact, making it difficult for water and air particles to go through. It also requires less irrigation and less fertilizer, leading to healthier plants and trees. You can grow Silver Maple, Alder, Aspen, Dogwood, Magnolia, and Rowan in this soil.
Lime-rich or chalky soil
This soil is made up of alkaline and calcium carbonate and lacks nutrients to support some kinds of trees and shrubs. Chalky soil is often shallow and free-draining, which makes added organic matter decompose rapidly. For this soil, choose plants that thrive in alkaline conditions.
Silt Soil
Silt soil comprises over 80 percent silt. Silt particles are between sand and clay particles, both in size and physical properties. It is one of the most fertile soils that offers excellent water retention.
Peat Soil
Peat soil typically contains 30 percent or more organic material, giving it a dark brown or black color. It is found along rivers and lakes. It is one of the most fertile soils and considered the best for planting trees.
The sandy soil is acidic, lacks nutrients, and is warm. It is gritty to touch, and its large pores make water easy to travel through. By adding organic matter, you can enhance the water retention capacity of this soil.
Clay
Clay soil is nutrient-rich and holds water well. It is heavy and compact, making it difficult for water and air particles to go through. It also requires less irrigation and less fertilizer, leading to healthier plants and trees. You can grow Silver Maple, Alder, Aspen, Dogwood, Magnolia, and Rowan in this soil.
Lime-rich or chalky soil
This soil is made up of alkaline and calcium carbonate and lacks nutrients to support some kinds of trees and shrubs. Chalky soil is often shallow and free-draining, which makes added organic matter decompose rapidly. For this soil, choose plants that thrive in alkaline conditions.
Silt Soil
Silt soil comprises over 80 percent silt. Silt particles are between sand and clay particles, both in size and physical properties. It is one of the most fertile soils that offers excellent water retention.
Peat Soil
Peat soil typically contains 30 percent or more organic material, giving it a dark brown or black color. It is found along rivers and lakes. It is one of the most fertile soils and considered the best for planting trees.
Difference between structure vs. texture
A soil comprises three key elements: sand, silt, and clay. While sand and silt particles are the largest, and clay particles the smallest.
Soil texture
Soil texture is the relative proportions of sand, silt, or clay in the soil. While clay soils have the finest structure, soils with the coarsest texture are called sands. The soil texture plays a vital role in nutrient retention. Finer textured soils are much better at storing soil nutrients.
Soil structure
It is all about how the soil particles are arranged. Soil particles bind to form peds, which give a distinctive shape to the soil. Ped shapes resemble balls, blocks, columns, and plates.
You can easily guess the behavior of soil by looking at a soil’s texture and structure.
Soil texture
Soil texture is the relative proportions of sand, silt, or clay in the soil. While clay soils have the finest structure, soils with the coarsest texture are called sands. The soil texture plays a vital role in nutrient retention. Finer textured soils are much better at storing soil nutrients.
Soil structure
It is all about how the soil particles are arranged. Soil particles bind to form peds, which give a distinctive shape to the soil. Ped shapes resemble balls, blocks, columns, and plates.
You can easily guess the behavior of soil by looking at a soil’s texture and structure.
Signs of unhealthy soil
Before planting your tree, you need to know what makes unhealthy soil.
Discoloring plant leaves: Discoloring and falling plant trees show that the soil is low in nitrogen. Fix this by adding compost to the soil.
Plants turn purple: It is a sign that the soil is low in phosphorous. Use some mulch to raise the soil temperature and get the phosphorous to release.
Lush foliage but little to no fruit: It is because the soil has too much nitrogen. Other signs include wilting and downward cupping of older leaves.
Discoloring plant leaves: Discoloring and falling plant trees show that the soil is low in nitrogen. Fix this by adding compost to the soil.
Plants turn purple: It is a sign that the soil is low in phosphorous. Use some mulch to raise the soil temperature and get the phosphorous to release.
Lush foliage but little to no fruit: It is because the soil has too much nitrogen. Other signs include wilting and downward cupping of older leaves.
About Seacoast Tree Care
If you are looking for certified arborists to take care of your tree removal needs, Seacoast Tree Care is your one-stop destination. We offer a complete range of tree care and removal services in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. We are experts in tree pruning, cabling, fertilizing, preservation, pest control, and root collar excavation.
To get information, call us at 603-431-0101 or 978-225-6644, or email us at info@seacoasttreecare.com.
To get information, call us at 603-431-0101 or 978-225-6644, or email us at info@seacoasttreecare.com.
RSS Feed