Soil Amendments
When planting new trees and shrubs, soil is often a limiting factor for plant success. Colorado’s soils are typically lacking in the nutrients necessary for a newly installed plant to easily succeed. The most common soil types found in Colorado are clay, sandy, and rocky. When you run into these types of soil you should use a soil amendment.
Soil Amendment Facts:
- We mix in amendments to improve the existing soil, however, it is not used as a soil replacement.
- We mix soil amendments into the soil below the surface during the installation.
- There are specific soil amendments for each type of soil condition.
- There are specific soils for deciduous and evergreen trees.
- Soil amendments typically aid in water retention, water permeability, drainage, aeration, and root stimulation.
CreekSide Tree Nursery sells organic soil amendments. We recommend consulting with us on which specific soil to purchase along with your various plant choices. Our staff is trained to get you the right soil for the best plant success possible.
Drainage:
Adequate soil drainage is very important to the overall health of your landscape. If you plant your tree or shrub too deep, you can risk drowning it from a lack of oxygen. Because of this, we always recommend planting your tree or shrub at least a few inches above your natural soil grade. If you feel that your soil might not drain properly regardless, then it is recommended that you test your soils. Dig a 2 foot by 2 foot hole and fill it with water. Then time how long it takes to drain. If you have standing water after 30-45 minutes, that is a big indication of poor drainage. There are many ways to remedy poor drainage, including the addition of soil amendment and drainage pipes. Please consult a professional for tips.
Common statements and questions about purchasing soil amendments are listed below.
Q. I make my own compost. Can I use that?
A. Sure. Just be careful. If you have not used it to plant with before it could be very hot and it could burn you plants. Composting can be simple, but depending on the exact items you’re composting, your compost may not be decomposed enough and you could damage your new investment.
Q. I have some left over soil from my last planting that’s good…isn’t it?
A. In most cases the risk isn’t worth it unless you are very sure. Soil is an important addition to your planting purchase and typically a very small additional cost, which if done properly, the benefits will outweigh the cost. We know it is difficult to keep adding costs to your landscape project…many people skip the soil thing thinking they don’t need it because it is a gimmick. In some instances that could be the case, but in most it is a necessary part of your plants successful life.
Q. I planted before and did nothing to the soil. My plants are fine. So why should I ammend?
A. I’m sure this happened. We do not use soil amendments in every situation. We have certainly done the same thing. Soils vary greatly and so does plant choice. If you pick the right plants, and have the proper soil already, there is no need to over amend your soil.
Q. When planting, should I dig a huge hole and put good dirt under the plant so its roots will grow easily?
A. No. While we recommend digging a hole as much as three times the width of the root ball, you should not dig it any deeper. If you dig it deeper and fill it with organic matter, the plant will settle over time, causing the plant to tilt, suffocate, and/or drown. The only case to dig deeper is to add a drainage pipe. This is not common and should only be performed in extenuating circumstances.
Weed Control
Another factor affecting tree and shrub establishment is weed control and the mulch consistency. Control weed growth around the tree or shrub during the establishment period, it will allow your newly planted tree or shrub to establish quicker.
Weeds compete for water with new trees and shrubs. Removing or not allowing weeds and/or grass around the newly planted tree or shrub is necessary for the plants healthy transition and survival. Using mulch will help a great deal in keeping weeds under control around the base of your plants.