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Re: Fertilizing a 100 years old sugar maple?




Don Chapman wrote:
> 
> Todd M. Bolton <tmbolton@erols.com> wrote in article
> <MOD$970925.14740@rec.gardens.ecosystems>...
> >
> > The arborist is probably correct about nutrient needs of the trees, but
> > I would also have a soil test done.  Often soil ph will limit hte amount
> > of Iron and trace minerals that the tree can get from the soil.  In this
> > case adjusting the ph, through the addition of lime to make it less
> > acidic,(the more common problem) or (is it?) aluminum sulfide to lower
> > the ph may make these minerals available to the tree.  The arborist
> > should be able to tell you where to get a soil analysis done.
> >
> >
> 
> I'm not sure about this approach for a mature tree.  Trying to play with pH
> levels on a big scale is risky, and if someone happens to overdo some
> chemistry the tree may be harmed.  The fact that a tree is mature is a
> pretty good indication that it is reasonably well-suited to the soil
> conditions.
> 
> A safer and gentler approach is to use compost as a mulch.
> 
> I'd also not be inclined to take the advice of an "arborist".  I know quite
> a few of them, and maybe one in five really knows much about soils.  Most
> are tree trimmers or removers.  Be sure to get a second or third opinion
> before pouring chemicals around a valuable old tree.


Altering ph is a VERY common practice in any area that has lawns. IOW,
all of suburban America.  Check out the availability of lime and the
frequency with which it is recomended for use on acidic soils by ag
extention agents and any other professional dealing with soil
conditions.  I must question your calling pelletized limestone a
"chemical."  That a tree has reached maturity only indicates that the
previously existing conditions satisfied the needs of the tree.  It
provides NO evidence of current conditions.  Increased deposition of
road salts due to a change in township policy could alter soil
conditions within 2 years.  Acid deposition due to an increase in coal
fired power plants up wind will also have an impact over the last ten
years, which is the amount of time it may take for a mineral deficiency
to become evident.  How much compost are you going to be able to
introduce to a lawn area?  What mineral components are going to be in
that compost?  How long will it atke for those minerals to make it inot
the root zone of the tree?  How much of those nutrients will make it
throught the root zone of the lawn without being taken up by the grass?

Mr. Chapman, And your qualifications are?  A vegetable gardener,
perhaps, who really understands the needs of woody vegetation?  An
arborist is, by definition, someone who specializes in trees.  If the
only arborists you know are wood-chuckers then I suggest you expand your
horizons, meet some professionals, and lose your prejudice.


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