Tree health care professionals of Naples, Florida encourage natural solutions to soil quality issues.
Thriving Plants Needs High Soil Quality
What do all healthy plants have in common? They have the right soil for their type of growth. Of course, different types of plants do need different types of soils to thrive, but typically plants that are all from the same area of the world or are part of a similar ecosystem will have similar soil preferences.
When we talk about soil, we are talking about more than just the dirt, we are talking about a whole host of qualities that make soil good for growing. Let’s discuss this and the steps people can take to improve their home garden’s soil quality.
What Makes Quality Soil?
There are many terms that are used to describe different types of soil such as loamy, sandy, clay-like, and well-drained. But these are not the terms that are typically used when discussing soil quality.
There are four areas to describe when describing soil quality. They are:
- The nutrients and minerals in the soil
- The composition of the soil
- The density of the soil
- The pH level of the soil.
All of these aspects affect how well a plant grows. In many ways, soil is just as much a living thing as the plants that grow in it.
Steps Homeowners Can Take to Improve Soil Quality
So how can a homeowner nourish the soil in their garden? Well, the best way to do it is through organic means, avoiding chemicals if at all possible as these tend to destroy the natural balance of the ecosystem. A few tips that will help any garden are outlined below.
- Soil Testing: The best way to know what your soil needs is to have it tested. This helps you find the strengths and weaknesses with the current situation and fix them.
- Add Organic Matter: This covers a variety of mulches and other decaying matter to add to the soil both as a mix in and as a cover or insulation for the soil. Aged animal manure and compost nourish the ground immediately while mulch insulates against extreme temperatures and water loss, then decays and provides nutrients as well.
- Crop Rotation: No plant should be planted in the same area more than three years in a row. Not only does this deplete certain nutrients from the soil, it can also promote the development on microbes that can be detrimental to that particular plant growth.
- Keep Soil Loose: Most of the time this means avoiding stepping into the beds. Having raised beds or beds that are no more than three feet wide will help this.
Get Help from the Experts
If homeowners feel intimidated by this list of activities, there is no need to fear. Simply call on your local reputable tree service company for the help of a certified arborist. They can help with more than just tree trimming, tree pruning, and tree removal. They can help with both plant health care and tree health care. They can test soil and give advice on the best practices and products for your garden.
About Any Town Tree
Based in Naples, FL and serving the surrounding areas, Any Town Tree is available for both residential and commercial tree services. Call today for high quality work at a reasonable price.