TREE VITALITY. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT
HOW TO GIVE YOUR TREE VITALITY IN SPRING? Similar to other seasons, spring orchestrates a change of climate which naturally affects trees and tree vitality! In preparation for this, experts advise you set aside time to prepare your trees to ensure them spring-time tree vitality. Included are instructions from professional arborists of what you need to do to enable your trees to embrace the warmer weather!
ADD A TOP DRESSING OF MULCH TO IMPROVE TREE VITALITY
Mulch is helpful for preventing the growth of those weeds which take up so much of your time and energy to improve tree vitaility. They also help preserve moisture, (especially when organic rather then inorganic) because it will increase protection of your tree and maintain water and nutrients.
Mulch increases the diversity of organic matter, micro organisms break down the organic matter into components that the plant roots can utilise. This is also aided by mycorrhizae which massively increases the surface area of the roots and breaks down minerals into a usable form for the tree. Also the micro organisms increase the soil temperature in the process of breaking down organic matter which in turn increases the root growth and tree vitality.
The soil has several soil profiles starting with the base being rock. The soil has three components sand, silt and clay. The ratio will determine what your soil actually is. On the very top of the soil there is another layer called humus. This is wonderful for plant life and this is where mulch comes in. Mulch broken down produces humus which is very rich in minerals and nutrients for the tree. If a tree is lacking vitality the soil should be the first place to look.
Sometimes a specific mineral is missing and this stunts the growth of the tree. The tree gets energy from the sun but if the leaves are chlorated and pale in colour the leaves are unable to photosynthesize. This is usually a problem with nutrition and is easily solved with either fertilizer or mulch. My preference would be mulch because it will give a more balanced less artificial boost. Also the needed minerals will be in a more slow release sustainable form for the future health of the tree.
With dealing with soil it is a constant balance between having good water retention and good drainage. Like anything in life too much of any one thing can be detrimental to the tree vitality of properly supporting life in a functional way. Mulch in its larger components increases drainage but in its smaller components increases water retention. So toping up and maintaining mulch will allow more drainage to occur and keep the necessary process of decomposition to continue. As with anything in life, growth is constant and such a process requires constant input and on going maintenance.
Another advantage of adding mulch decreases soil compaction. Soil compaction is terrible for root growth and root compaction and should be avoided as much as possible. Mulching discourages people from walking on the immediate root area of the tree and encourages the soil to naturally break up.
FERTILIZER USES
We all know fertilizer is important – but why? Coming into warmer springtime is the ideal time to use fertilizer. Early fertilization assists growth and boosts tree vitality in preparation for a budding spring! A slow-release fertilizer is perfect to ensure they receive nutrients all spring and also fights against disease and pests.
As your trees start to recover from the colder months, it’s the perfect time to apply fertiliser. By fertilising your trees earlier, you can help boost their growth and bloom for when spring is in full swing! We recommend using a slow-release so they can receive their nutrients all spring-long and improve resistance to pests and disease.
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