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Soil Compaction TreatmentsMost soils in Cincinnati are compacted to some degree. Due to the large amount of clay on most of our properties tree roots often struggle to get the water and oxygen needed for optimal growth & health. There are several different methods used to aerate soil to optimize conditions for root growth.
Our most frequently used methods are:
Vertical Mulching. Vertical mulching is a process of making holes in the ground through the root zone of a targeted tree to open portholes where the roots should be growing. The holes are usually three inches wide and approximately twelve inches deep depending on the soil conditions. The quantity of holes varies depending on the size of the tree and the amount of land available for drilling. Depending on the arborists recommendation, each hole is usually backfilled with a small amount of fertilizer and the remainder of the hole will be topped off with and aerating material (turface or compost). This process replaces small volumes of soil and allows for an easier exchange of water and gases in those parts of the soil.
Radial Trenching. Radial trenching is a more involved process than vertical mulching. It entails removing the soil around a tree in a wagon wheel pattern and replacing the soil with an amendment, along with some of the native soil. The width, depth and quantity of spokes made vary depending on the severity of compaction and the arborist’s recommendations for each situation. This process replaces significant amounts of soil and can be used on established trees or for new plantings in challenging sites.
Soil Fracturing. Soil fracturing involves drilling a series of holes in a root zone and then uses a high pressure air tool to fracture the soil horizontally while injecting a fine turface into the cracks to help sustain the separation within the layers of the soil. This process does not replace any soil, but when used properly, it can greatly reduce soil compaction.
Please contact us to schedule an appointment to determine your tree's needs.
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