🌳 Plant Health Care – Deep Root Fertilization
🌱 Why Soil Health Matters
“Healthy soil is the foundation of productive, sustainable forage.”
– U.S. Department of Agriculture
Your Local Plant Health Care Experts
When roots are provided with a nutrient-rich environment, trees grow more efficiently, resist stress, and maintain a vibrant canopy. However, in urban and suburban settings, natural soil enrichment is often disrupted.
What Is Deep Root Fertilization?
Deep root fertilization is a specialized method used to restore struggling or declining trees. This process uses high-pressure professional equipment to inject a blend of nutrients and organic matter directly into the soil around the tree’s roots.
💡 How It Works:
- Nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer is injected roughly 5 inches deep—where most feeder roots are found.
- Injections are applied in a grid pattern under the tree canopy (out to the dripline) to ensure even coverage.
- Depending on the tree species, health, and surrounding landscape, injections may extend beyond the dripline for maximum impact.
Benefits of Deep Root Fertilization
Deep root fertilization provides a range of benefits that help trees and shrubs thrive:
Should You Fertilize Your Trees & Shrubs?
In forests, trees receive nutrients from natural debris like leaf litter, grass clippings, and fallen branches. In residential areas, we remove this organic material, leading to nutrient depletion.
Other factors that increase the need for fertilization include:
- Pre & Post-Construction – Heavy equipment, excavation, or new pool construction can damage or alter root systems.
- Soil Compaction – Driving over the same area repeatedly prevents oxygen and water from reaching roots.
- Summer Heat & Drought – Prolonged stress can weaken trees, making them more vulnerable to disease and decline.
By replenishing lost nutrients, deep root fertilization helps trees stay resilient against environmental stressors.
💧 How Our Fertilization Works
Our Plant Health Care Technician applies fertilizer using a deep root injector, delivering nutrients 4–8 inches below soil grade at 150 PSI. This process:
✅ Aerates compacted soil to improve root access to oxygen & water
✅ Delivers nutrients directly to the root zone for maximum absorption
✅ Encourages stronger root growth to support a healthier tree canopy
When Should Deep Root Fertilization Be Done?
While deep root fertilization can be applied year-round, it is most commonly done in spring and fall.
Why Spring and Fall?
Deep root fertilization is most effective in the spring and fall when trees are not under stress from extreme temperatures or drought but can be applied year round.
Even a single deep root fertilization treatment provides long-lasting benefits, strengthening your trees for seasons to come!
🌳 Recap: Does Your Tree Need Deep Root Fertilization?
Any tree or shrub that appears to be struggling is a good candidate for a deep root fertilization treatment.
Signs of a Tree in Distress:
🍂 Defoliation – The tree is losing its leaves too early
📉 Slow or minimal growth – Growth is weaker than in previous years
🍃 Smaller or fewer leaves – Leaves aren’t as large or plentiful as usual
🍁 Discolored leaves – Yellowing or pale leaves (often caused by chlorosis)
🌳 Dieback in the canopy – Leaves, twigs, and branches (especially at the top) begin to die and fall
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a consultation with one of our Certified Arborists.
🔍 Schedule a Tree Health Evaluation
Struggling trees can often be restored with proper care and treatment. Our ISA Certified Arborists will:
Evaluate your tree’s health to diagnose the cause of stress
Recommend the best course of action – whether it’s deep root fertilization, creating a pruning plan or a combination of both.
Protect your landscape investment by keeping your trees strong and healthy for years to come
