Landscapes have vastly different soil than natural forested areas. In our landscapes, the following scenarios often can be found:

Not enough organic material

Leaves and debris are removed from the yard and therefore do not break down into nutrients for the tree or shrub.

Soil quality

Soil in the forest is created over hundreds of years. Nutrient rich soil is created by leaves and wood composting. In the urban landscape soil is often poor quality due to the excavation and grading process when a house, road or structure is built. Often subsoil, topsoil and organic matter is reshuffled around before being spread back out to create lawns and landscaped areas for existing and future plants. Disturbed soil does not have the same qualities that natural soil in the forest has.

Lack of soil volume

Roots need space to grow and stretch outward. The roots of most trees and shrubs only grow 1-2 feet deep but they can grow well over 10 feet wide. Driveways, pathways and foundations block roots from spreading out naturally. This limits the amount of nutrients available to the tree or shrub.

Soil compaction

Disturbed soil often becomes very compacted. Soil in the urban environment becomes compacted from the machinery used in construction as well as foot traffic after the structure is built. Compacted soil absorbs less water and nutrients flow less readily through the soil.

Competition

Landscapes are densely planted. This leads to completion for nutrients in the soil. For example, a tree surrounded by grass has to compete with the grass for the nutrients in the soil.

Fertilizing is good

Fertilizing helps improve the health of plants. Plants often don’t have the best soil conditions in the urban environment. Fertilizing gives plants the nutrients they are missing. Ascent Yard Care provides fertilizing services in Victoria, BC.