Tree Health—Vertical Mulching Chattanooga
In a lot of ways, your trees are just like you! They too need fresh air and water, however, soil compaction can oftentimes make this difficult to attain. That is when vertical mulching comes into play.
What is vertical mulching? Quick answer: Vertical mulching is a technique used to help alleviate soil compaction in the critical root zones of trees. Compacted soil can be detrimental to the tree’s health by reducing the amount of pore space that allows room for oxygen and water– both vital to the tree’s wellbeing.
The Vertical Mulching Process
The vertical mulching process requires the use of a power auger, used to meticulously drill holes from a safe distance around the tree to its dripline, the area directly under the outer circumference of the tree branches. Extreme care must be taken to ensure no tree roots are harmed during this process. Then the holes are filled in with pea gravel, sand, or a compost mixture, depending on the soil type.
For a tree that is looking unhealthy, this vertical mulching process, with the backfilling of drilled holes, injects the soil with well-aerated pockets that are receptive to the infiltration of water and oxygen, leading to healthier plant roots and a happier tree. The ultimate goal of vertical mulching is to overcome the stress a tree can face in an unnatural environment.
Fast Facts about Vertical Mulching
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Vertical mulching is a process that allows for the aeration of the soil surrounding a tree, making it more susceptible to the intake of water and oxygen.
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Signs that your soil is compacted and needs vertical mulching are pooling or puddling water in lower areas, water running off the soil in high areas, areas too hard to drive a shovel into the soil, and bare areas where grass and weeds don’t grow.
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The best time for soil aeration is the growing season, when grass can grow and heal, filling in open areas of ground.
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Vertical mulching allows for increased oxygen levels, helps fertilize the soil, and can lessen damage from overwatering. It can also allow sub-soil water to reach the tree’s protection zone during dry periods of time.
If you or someone you know is interested in Chattanooga vertical mulching, contact us today for a free estimate, or visit our FAQs page!
