The soil is the largest living organism on the planet. Take care of it and it will take care of your trees!  

Healthy soil equals healthy trees! Well, it's not that simple but healthy trees start with healthy soil. In the Chicagoland area we tend to have compacted, clay soil. Some trees (mostly natives) will survive okay but a lot of them need help. Short of replacing all the soil on your property there are some soil organisms that can do wonders at helping trees thrive in the harsh urban/suburban environment.

MYCORRHIZAE

Mycorrhizal fungi are an essential part of all plant growth. They form a symbiotic relationship with the fine absorbing roots of more than 99% of Earth's plants.  Scientists believe that this partnership is what allowed plants to move out of the water and onto the harsh terrestrial environment.

Plants with mycorrhizae are more tolerant to: drought, compaction, high soil temperatures, and extremes of soil pH.  Mycorrhizae benefit trees by:

              -- Improving feeder root development

              -- Improving water and nutrient absorption

              -- Improving tree longevity and survival

Mycorrhizal fungi do occur naturally in soils, but in urban settings it is destroyed by human activity.  Soil is often degraded, compacted or eroded.  Concrete, asphalt, construction debris and low organic matter all characterize the soils supporting trees and shrubs in urban landscapes.  In order to successfully maintain feeder root growth in these conditions, beneficial mycorrhizae must be present.

Most landscape soils are in poor condition. The result is high plant mortality, poor quality growth, higher rework costs, more pesticide use. By using mycorrhizae products, which are designed to improve soil and plant ecosystems, we help create sustainable landscapes that cost less, provide more value and last longer.

Chicagoland Tree Care Advisor recommends using mycorrhizal fungi to help trees compensate for girdling roots. We also recommend treatment to help trees recover from insect and disease damage.  New plantings, transplants, plants with limited root growth area (covered by driveway, house, and patio) and trees under stress all benefit from treatment with mycorrhizae fungi.