Improving your soil
Soil isn’t just what you stand on—soil is a plant’s sustenance!
Trees, shrubs and plants need healthy soil to stay in good vigor, especially during the water stress of summer temperatures. If you want lush vegetation that that does not require constant watering in the summer, and can withstand tough winter conditions, consider amending your soil.
Soil is a dynamic system, composed of minerals, organic matter, water, and air. It is the medium that allows plants to grow, and acts like a sponge, or a bank soaking up water and nutrients until they are needed by a plant. Soil is formed over time and develops horizons, or sections, like layers in a cake. Each layer has a different composition and is gradually changed over time by several factors including climate, and the organisms growing or living around it.
Humans modify soils in a short amount of time by scraping off layers for construction, compacting the layers of soil by heavy machinery, or moving soil to create homes. Many of these activities change the soil structure forever, making it a harsh place for plants to grow.
What might your plant look like if it is in compacted soil? It may wilt and be more susceptible to drought stress in the summer, it may not be growing as fast as you would expect it to, and it may get more twig dieback and brown needles if we experience a cold winter and little snow cover. When the soil has been compacted, it is harder for roots to expand through the soil and find available water. When enough water is not available for plants, they do not have the resources to support them in extreme weather, and can become stressed, stunted, and more susceptible to insects and fungal attacks.
Collecting leaf litter, braches and plant debris are activities we do to keep things “cleaned up” in our yards but nutrient deficiencies can occur if there isn’t any leaf litter or organic material replenishing the soil. Before applying fertilizer, consider having your soil tested to determine pH and nutrient needs.
You can improve the soil structure and add nutrients to your soil by adding organic material such as shredded wood mulch, shredded leaves or compost in your planting area, or the drip line underneath a tree. The drip line of the tree can be found by drawing an invisible line from the outer branch tips to the ground. If you are planting a new tree, or cultivating a garden you can incorporate the material into the first 2–3 inches of soil before planting. If you are trying to improve the soil structure under a tree, do not till or dig up the area in the drip line of the tree since this will disrupt the tree’s root system, which exists primarily in the first 12″ of soil. Instead, place a 2–4 inch thick layer of organic material around tree, making sure not to pile it next to the tree’s stem.
Organic material helps break up compacted soil as it decomposes; creating channels for water and roots to move through. It also provides a food source for microorganisms which will act to accelerate decomposition, improving and maintaining soil structure.
Learn more about conducting a soil test in your yard and about composting.
Consider planting trees and shrubs in groups so you can add mulch and compost to the root zones on a regular basis. This can be aesthetically pleasing while also improving soil structure which will help improve or maintain plant vigor. Be sure not to put a layer of plastic between the soil and organic materials, or they will not break down to improve the soil.
