Soil Amendment for Tree Health
Arboplus offers long-term, environmentally responsible solutions with soil at the center of every intervention. Healthy soil feeds the roots and plays a decisive role in the growth, strength, and longevity of your trees.
Soil amendment is widely used by our expert arborists because adding organic matter is a simple, sustainable, and highly effective method. Even poor soils can be significantly improved, while moisture levels become more stable and balanced over time.
Mulch
Mulching is one of the most effective ways to control weeds and reduce watering while protecting a tree’s root system. Mulch should be spread around the base of the tree—but never piled against the trunk—to prevent bark rot.
In general, a 5 to 10 cm layer is recommended. Proper thickness helps regulate soil temperature and reduce moisture loss. Various types of mulch are available, including wood chips, bark, and conifer needles. In winter, mulch remains just as beneficial by insulating the soil and protecting roots from extreme cold.
Compost
Although compost requires time to prepare, it is one of the most sustainable and completely natural soil amendments available. Once biodegradable materials transform into a stable, humus-rich amendment, compost becomes an exceptional nutrient source for trees and plants.
Within days, compost begins improving soil quality—and its effects continue long term. It supports beneficial microbial life that breaks down organic matter and returns nutrients to the soil in a natural cycle.
Choosing compost is ultimately an ecological decision. Composting means returning organic matter to the earth and turning waste into a valuable resource.
Mycorrhizae
Adding mycorrhizae has a direct impact on plant growth and root performance. These beneficial fungi work directly with roots, helping compensate for nutrient deficiencies often found in urban and suburban soils.
Mycorrhizal fungi improve the absorption of water, phosphorus, zinc, and copper—all essential to healthy plant development. These organisms have existed for millions of years but have diminished due to landscape transformation and intensive agricultural fertilization. Reintroducing mycorrhizae helps soil regain its full biological potential and properly nourish vegetation.
For mycorrhizal soil amendment, Arboplus partners with Premier Tech Biotechnologies and recommends MYKE® PRO products. In our professional opinion, MYKE® PRO offers some of the most effective compost and mycorrhizal solutions available. Premier Tech Biotechnologies, a Quebec-based company, is an international leader known for its expertise in horticulture and agriculture, industrial equipment, and environmental technologies.
Seeding
Arboplus offers ecological ground cover solutions aligned with our environmental mission. The seeding options recommended by our arborists are sustainable and require minimal maintenance. These ground covers demand little water and no mowing, giving you a noticeable return on investment while reducing outdoor maintenance tasks.
Creeping Ground Covers
Systematic planting of certain creeping species can transform ground cover within two to three years. Ground covers provide an attractive aesthetic solution around trees and shrubs, with a variety of colors that enhance landscaping design.
Choosing the Right Ground Cover
For ground cover seeding, Arboplus recommends three species: creeping thyme, moneywort, and Irish moss.
Creeping thyme: Resistant to sun exposure, drought, and white grubs; easy to maintain.
Moneywort: Fast-growing and low maintenance.
Irish moss: Tolerates light foot traffic and grows quickly.
Soil Aeration
Consult Arboplus specialists to discover the benefits of ecological soil aeration. The results are noticeable and long-lasting. By opening the soil around the root zone, oxygen circulation increases, accelerating the decomposition of organic matter and benefiting tree health.
In line with our natural approach, Arboplus does not use mechanical core aerators. Instead, we recommend ecological methods such as biological aeration with earthworms.
Earthworm Aeration
Using earthworms for soil aeration results in highly effective natural fertilization. Introduced alongside compost, they actively regenerate soil structure through their natural activity.
Plants greatly benefit from earthworm aeration, as worms recycle organic waste into nutrients while also helping reduce certain soil-borne pest pressures.
The Proven Efficiency of Earthworms
Earthworms are capable of mixing impressive amounts of soil and organic matter as they burrow and feed. Their continuous activity improves soil structure and can even contribute to soil remediation by processing organic waste.
Soil aerated in this way becomes more fertile and nutrient-rich—leading to stronger growth of ground covers, trees, and shrubs.
Soil Fertilization
Because fertilization is typically used to correct mineral deficiencies, Arboplus always recommends an initial soil analysis. This allows your arborist to provide personalized recommendations tailored to your property’s specific needs.
By identifying the precise needs of both soil and vegetation, we can determine the appropriate type and quantity of fertilizer for optimal results.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer
Arboplus uses natural products for soil fertilization—not only for ecological reasons, but also for performance. Research has shown that, at equal concentrations, the NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) found in natural fertilizers can be more effective than that found in synthetic products.
Even with high-quality natural fertilizers available on the market, compost remains the best overall fertilizing product. Suitable for all soil types, it provides a well-balanced blend of nutrients.
Fertilizer Application Methods
Two fertilizer application methods are possible. The first involves applying fertilizing agents only at the soil surface.
While economical, this method may not deliver optimal results because lawns and surface vegetation can absorb nutrients before they reach the soil and root zone.
The second—and preferred—method involves applying fertilizer directly to the root zone. This promotes more efficient nutrient uptake and improves soil aeration. At this stage, Arboplus strongly recommends adding mycorrhizae to further enhance root development and long-term tree health.
