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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$970927.5713@rec.gardens.ecosystems>...

> Easy does it, buckeroo!

Take your condescending attitude and mulch it.

There, that is said.

> 
> I think my basic advice, if you take the time to read it, was:
> 
> A.  When you're dealing with a valuable old tree, don't leap into soil
> chemistry procedures without being REAL sure what you're doing.
> 
> B.  Don't take the advice of just one person who labels himself an
> "arborist".  If you knew as many of them as I do, you'd probably understand
> a little better why I suggested getting a second or third opinion.
> 
> C.  If adjustment of the soil is needed, and if it can't be done by the
> natural method of maintaining a mulch layer, then one should be very
> careful about dosage of any modifying agent (Yes, I should not have used
> the word chemical in that context).
> 
> Now, what is there about this advice you disagree with?  And are you an
> aborist, by chance?
> 

If you had taken the time to read MY post you would have seen that the
first thing I said to do was to have a detailed soil test done.  That is
not just "leaping inot it."  If you had read the original post you would
have seen that the tree was in a lawn, in a corner between two areas of
pavement.   In my experience that doesn't leave room to apply mulch over
a very high % of the root zone of a large old tree.  I also know htat if
the problem is a lack of available nutrients the effect can be rather
severe and cause severe stress to the tree.  Relying on a long term
program, like soil improvement through application of compost without
incorporating it into the soil, will take several years to become
effective.  During this time period the tree will continue to decline. 
If the problem is lack of availability of nutrients due to ph imbalance,
why would you assume applying a compost mulch would address this
underlying problem?  

The original "consultant", a City forester, had made the recomendation
to apply fertilizer.  I expressed wariness over this due to the mention
of yellowing leaves which is a common indication of mineral deficiency
in woody plants.  Therefor my suggestion, that before spending money on
fert, the homeowner shoulc check on the condition of the the soil. 

Your response to this was "Don't trust tree guys.", as repeated above.(
You did not suggest getting multiple recomendations)  I know a few
organic gardeners, and they're kooks.  Doesn't mean I make disparaging
comments about members of the industry, the industry/practice itself, or
their methods.  

I have been in the landscape and arboriculture business for the last 13
years.  Done time as a consultant, designer, forest preservation
planner, IPM tech, installation foreman, and several other posistions
that require filling by a self employed person.  Gained Certification
from the International Society of Arboriculture 9 years ago.  Know quite
a few arborists, know quite a few woodchucks.



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