Biochar, Mulch & Soil Additives
Mulching & Bio-char
Following soil decompaction, an application of compost combined with high quality Bio-Char can be added to the soil. Bio-Char is a form of pure carbon that has been enriched with with beneficial fungi, trace nutrients, and good bacteria to improve plant health.
Not only does this add essential nutrients and carbon to the soil; it improves the soil structure, increases water holding capacity and overall nutrient retention. it also encourages worm and insect activity that further aids soil de-compaction.
We only use Bio-Char from the UK’s leading producer of bio-char, soil improvers and associated products for trees and plants; Carbon Gold.
For further information on biochar and its benefits please see below, or follow the link to read more.
Bio-char, Soil decompaction and Ash Dieback
Ash trees form prominent features in the UK’s landscape and due to infection from Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus), many are losing condition or succumbing to disease or death.
In studies undertaken between 2014 and 2016, 2000 mature ash trees within a woodland setting were monitored, with a third of them being treated with Carbon Golds Bio-Char.
During the course of the study, none of the treated trees became infected with Ash Dieback. We are pleased to offer soil decompaction and biochar application to Ash trees in order to reduce their chances of being infected by Ash Dieback.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss this further, or for more information on this or for further studies please follow the link;
Honey Fungus (A. mellea)
Honey Fungus (Armillaria mellea) is a parasitic fungus that can colonise on most UK native and introduced tree species.
While unable to cure trees of it, we are able to offer scientifically tested solutions to dramatically reduce its effects and aid trees in their recovery. Please contact us for further details.
Further to this we can also undertake non invasive, below ground inspections of key areas, such as buttress roots using our airspade technology to assess the spread of diseases such as honey fungus.
Please contact us for more information on any of our services.
FAQ's on Tree Healthcare
Tree Healthcare is the process of managing trees with their health and vitality in mind. We focus on soil improvement and the root systems of the trees as this is where most health issues begin. Typical healthcare operations we undertake include De-compaction, Biochar and Mulch applications, Compost Tea drenches and even adding worms to the soil!
De-compaction is a process where soils that have been compressed over time are mechanically manipulated, creating fissures, gaps and air pockets. This allows for greater nutrient uptake greater water movement and importantly allows for invertebrate movement through the soil. Soil Decompaction is usually recommended when areas around trees have been historically compacted for a long time, such as parks or street trees. It is also specified by the Local Planning Authority or Arboricultural consultants where machinery or materials have encroached into the RPA of protected trees on construction sites.
Biochar is pure carbon that has been enriched with beneficial fungi, trace nutrients and good bacteria to improve plant growth. Biochar improves soil structure, water holding capacity and overall nutrient retention.
Over time soils in urban and high use areas suffer compaction. This is where the upper layers are compressed through people walking on them, vehicles use or machinery. Over time this compression forces all the soil particles together and causes a hard crust to form that does not allow for moisture or nutrient absorption.
Chemical fertilizer is created as a by-product of the petroleum industry, it is extremely chemically intensive and is not a particularly sustainable way of soil improvement.
Compost tea is made using 100% organic material, it is brewed by ourselves in our own fermentation system for 48hrs before use. Compost tea is a great way to give the soil a boost of nutrients and organic materials.
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