You might have heard someone talk about deep root fertilization, or you might have seen it on a gardening website, but you didn’t really know what it meant. It’s a treatment meant to give your trees the boost they need to thrive.  Let’s examine this process a little more deeply.

What is deep root fertilization?

The process of deep root fertilization is fairly simple.  A high-density solution of nutrients and other things like positive bacteria and insecticides is injected into the soil at the base of the tree, working out to the edge of the tree’s canopy.  Each injection zone is about two to three feet apart in a set pattern around the tree.

The injection process also means that the soil gets loosened and aerated so they can get better oxygen down in the root area.  Deep root fertilization occurs at a depth of 8 to 14 inches under the surface.

How often should I do this?

You should repeat the treatment no more than twice a year unless you see your tree struggling and in need of nutrients, the roots have been traumatized or damaged, or you have poor or compacted soil.  If you see any of these situations, you should deep feed more often so the entire soil area around the base of the tree is improved and your tree’s health can get better.  Your tree’s roots love to be fed and get oxygen along with an adequate amount of water.

Getting deep root fertilizations done once a year will help your trees get what they need, and in turn, help your overall environment.  Because of the injection tools necessary, it is best done by a tree maintenance company or arborist.

What’s inside?

A typical injection will include things like iron, manganese, zinc, sulfur, amino acids, sugars, plant extracts, activated charcoal, and selected insecticides (if necessary).  Absent the evidence of insects, this last one may not be necessary.

Activated charcoal helps keep the soil loose and gives your plants the carbon they need, especially helpful in poor or clay soil conditions.  Depending on the health of your soil, nematodes or beneficial bacteria may also be added to the deep root fertilization mixture.

So how do you know if you need a deep root treatment?  You should do two things – have an arborist inspect your tree’s health, and have a soil test done to see what your property’s soil is lacking.  That way, your arborist will know what to mix together for your tree’s best health.