So many things in Colorado make it difficult for plants to thrive. Extreme temperature swings, intense summer heat, prolonged drought, highly alkaline soils, and heavy clay soils all contribute to slow and stunted growth of our trees and shrubs. Many newly constructed homes are routinely scraped of their topsoil, which includes the soil horizons that include a substantial portion of the organic matter and nutrients. (A soil horizon is a layer generally parallel to the soil surface, whose physical characteristics differ from the layers above and beneath.) Plants often face an uphill battle starting from their first day in the landscape. Irrigation systems tackle the challenge of supplying adequate moisture, but improving soil quality is often ignored.

Many people think that throwing massive amounts of inorganic fertilizers into the soil is all that is necessary to supply plant roots with everything they need to flourish. Over-application of inorganic fertilizers can actually contribute to high levels of salts accumulating in the soil. Additionally, research has shown that over-application of inorganic fertilizers can contribute to increased feeding by rabbits and deer.

Our goal at Mountain High Tree is always to create the best growing environment possible. Efforts to improve soil porosity, nutrient cycling and retention, soil micro-organism activity, and lower soil Ph can have dramatic effects on plant health.

A four-year study conducted by Mountain High Tree, Lawn & Landscape at Morse Park in Lakewood, CO showed significant increases in root density on a variety of tree species when wood mulch, compost, and beneficial soil fungi were used as soil amendments. Root density was measured prior to soil amendments, and again each year for four consecutive years. Trees treated with mulch and compost as soil amendments showed an average of 28% more root tissue than trees that were not treated.

We also took qualitative assessments of the canopy of the trees. We noted distinct differences in leaf size and color. More than 90% of the treated trees showed better leaf color when compared to untreated trees. This was even true in the mature Silver Maple trees in the study. This was especially significant because of the difficulty that many Maple trees have when they try to acquire iron and manganese from soils with an elevated Ph.

In order to have a healthy landscape we must focus on our plants starting under the ground and working our way up to the very last leaf. Our Arborists are always available to help you determine if improving your soil conditions can improve the overall health and vigor of your landscape plants.