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Fertilization and soil care

Fertilization and soil care

Bartlett offers the most intensive soil management programs in the landscape industry. Before any fertilization is prescribed or performed on your property, soil samples are taken from the property and soil nutrient status is analyzed.

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Enhancing tree health from the ground up

Healthy plants begin with healthy soils. Fertilization is just the start. Adjusting soil pH and ensuring adequate organic matter is present are also key to healthy soils. For plants in urban and suburban soils, Bartlett Tree Experts can simulate the optimal conditions for growth found in nature. In fact, our patented Root Invigoration process combines all the above into a single treatment to achieve this goal.

Bartlett offers the most intensive soil care programs in the landscape industry. Before fertilization is performed, soil samples are taken from the property and analyzed. Bartlett Arborists submit more than 10,000 soil samples from client properties each year, which provides information for developing fertilizers for specific geographic areas.

We offer more than 15 different blends of our own Boost^® fertilizers, all of which contain slow-release nitrogen that provides this nutrient gradually over the entire growing season. This means that nitrogen is not lost to leaching and runoff, which optimizes availability while protecting the environment. If soil phosphorus levels are adequate or treatments are applied in sensitive sites such as watersheds, we use phosphate-free Boost^® products that are specifically formulated to eliminate water pollution from this nutrient.

Bartlett also offers a unique Prescription Fertilization program whereby nutrients and amendments can be custom-blended on site and applied to specific plants based on soil analysis results. This program is ideal for high value, feature plants and those with obvious nutrient deficiencies or health concerns.

Our patented Root Invigoration program, developed by scientists at the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories to improve soil conditions, incorporates several key plant health treatments. By using high-volume air through a tool, it loosens the soil to improve aeration and reduce compaction, without any negative impact on the root system.

During this process, the soil chemistry is adjusted by prescription to best favor the plant. Organic matter is incorporated, as it is commonly deficient in urban soils, and because of the many physical and chemical benefits it provides. A Bartlett Arborist Representative can determine whether trees on your property would benefit from this service.

Bartlett Tree Experts provides a variety of treatments to both encourage root development, as well as prevent root encroachment beneath sidewalks and driveways. Homeowners frequently ask about treatments to eliminate surface roots of trees especially in lawn areas. Certain species, such as red maple, birch, and elm are inherently shallow rooted and more prone to producing surface roots. Surface roots are more common in heavy clay soils compared to sands or loams. Frequent light irrigation also can increase the likelihood that trees develop surface roots. Once surface roots become a problem, there is little that can be done to correct the condition. Cutting the roots can impact tree health and stability and roots are likely to grow back if the plant survives. Most trees species will tolerate covering the offending roots with a few inches of loam soil but as the roots grow in diameter, they will reappear on the surface. If soil is added, make sure it is not placed on the root collar and against the stem. The best option for dealing with surface roots is to mulch the area beneath the tree crown to avoid conflict between tree roots and turf.

Root Invigoration, a patented process developed by scientists at the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories, uses a unique tool known as an Air-Spade that concentrates a high volume of air on a small area of soil. This acts to loosen dense soil and allows incorporation of composts and other necessary amendments in order to promote root development on trees stressed by soil compaction, root damage, and root disease.

Air-tools are also used to rapidly remove soil and mulch that have been placed against root collar and stem tissues during planting, construction, and maintenance. The root collar, which is the area where the root system joins the stem, should remain free of soil and mulch to reduce the risk of disease and insect infestations and stem girdling roots.

There are several types of root barriers that are now available to restrict development of tree root systems beneath pavement to prevent heaving. Barriers are comprised of high-density plastic or fabric that is impregnated with a chemical that prevents root growth.

Bartlett's Premium Landscape Biochar benefits your trees and the environment. This carbon-rich charcoal improves soil quality and plant growth for healthier trees while sequestering carbon that would otherwise contribute to elevated levels of greenhouse gases.

Biochar is created when plant-based and other organic debris like wood, manure, or leaves are heated in the presence of little or no oxygen. This process has been used for centuries and is credited with high crop productivity in ancient soils like the Amazon Basin where charred matter was historically used as a soil additive. Today the application of Biochar, made from what would otherwise be agricultural and horticultural waste products, has the potential to sequester carbon for years to come.

The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories has conducted extensive research on the use of Biochar in the care of trees. We have undertaken no less than eight research projects to determine the benefits and real-world applications of this product on residential and commercial properties.

We have found that when added to soil, Biochar increases soil microbial activity and improves water retention, all while reducing nutrient leaching. The result is healthier trees and shrubs that are less susceptible to insects and disease.

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Organic soil care programs

Bartlett offers a complete line of organic fertilizers and amendments for soil care.

Compost and organic granular fertilizers as well as mycorrhizal inoculants can be introduced into soils using our patented Root Invigoration process. This is the most effective treatment for amending soils and keeping the soil food web in balance as nature intended.

Since 2008, we have also offered Boost Natural. This is the only totally organic liquid fertilizer that meets industry standards for supplying nutrients to trees with a single application. Bartlett Tree Experts Boost Natural 11-0-5 is OMRI Listed^® (Organic Materials Review Institute).

Mulching

When performed correctly, mulching is one of the simplest and most effective practices to maintain plant health, improve growth, and enhance vitality.

Mulches provide many benefits including:

→Eliminating competition between tree roots and turf or other ground covers
→Eliminating the potential of damage to stems by mowers and trimmers
→Conserving soil moisture
→Moderating soil temperature
→Suppressing weed growth
→Improving soil organic matter

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Organic and naturally based tree care

Related FAQs

The yellowing on the interior is normal. However, on the ends of the branches is not normal. It is likely a disease and possibly root issues. Please make an appointment to have an arborist look at your trees for a better evaluation. We will likely take a tissue sample to be evaluated at our research lab.

Tordon is highly toxic to most woody plants through root absorption. It also has a long residual activity in the soil, possibly a year or more based on the amount applied (application rate). It is not intended or labeled for use near desirable landscape vegetation. There is no "antidote" for Tordon injury and affected plants may eventually die. At this point, irrigating the plants during periods of prolonged dry may aid recovery. Irrigation will prevent moisture stress from compounding the effects of the herbicide.

Related resources

Mulch application guidelines

Irrigation technical report

Understanding prescription fertilization

Tree and shrub fertilization near waterways

Soil management programs brochure