Bringing a tree back

[JasonCraig]

ok, here's the situation:
a large oak is beginning to show stresses. its obviously from the huge amount of construction that happened around is combined with grass growing under this tree. the roots were damaged and compacted and the tree is showing classic root damage signs of dieback. i am now considering my course of action. things i know i want to do: fertilize, prune out dead, and mulch under dripline (kill grass of course...evil grass). i was considering the use of an air spade to airspade out trenches and fill with ammended soil, looking for opinions on that. anyway, could you guys give me feedback and tips on doing this. fertilizing methods, air spade, microrhizae application, etc. give me some help fellas (and femallas).

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Soil transplants seem to have good effect on stressed trees. The air spade tools work really well for this. Gary Johnson at the U of Minnesota has done some work on this and has written brochures. My links are gone but you can make your way to the UofM-College of Natural Resources Urban Forestry and you'll find them.

Kim Coder at the U of Georgia has good information too.

Consider using composted leaf mulch for the transfusion. I don't think that fertilizing would be recommended. Especially high N ferts.

Guy "Mayor" is a good source too.

 

[JasonCraig]

no, not in any way was i going to introduce high amounts of nitrogen. just to clear that up

 

[pantheraba]

Re: Bringing a tree back -- compost tea?

[ QUOTE ]
Consider using composted leaf mulch for the transfusion. I don't think that fertilizing would be recommended. Especially high N ferts.

Guy "Mayor" is a good source too.

[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe this is worth considering along with the other ideas.

I was looking over the upcoming agenda for the TCIA in Columbus and one of the topics is about compost tea. The little bit of reading I have done on it sounds like it may be a way to enhance the nutrients for your tree.

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/recycle/Tea/tea1.htm

http://www.jgpress.com/BCArticles/2000/100071.html

and here is a link to an arborist that details it:

http://www.professionaltreecare.com/compost.htm

 

[JasonCraig]

Re: Bringing a tree back -- compost tea?

thanks panther..im gonna look into that more.. i actually learned about that in school so maybe i can dig up some notes.
but the problem now is finding a air spade to use...for some reason i expected to be able to rent one but everyone thought i was crazy when i told them what i needed. so i guess i'll be makin one.

 

[TreeJunkie]

Re: Bringing a tree back -- compost tea?

ask around for some pics/ or directions for making your own/ and please share, I may need to make my own soon as well. I've heard several people on this site talk of their home made versions...

 

[JasonCraig]

Re: Bringing a tree back -- compost tea?

yeah, im waiting......c'mon guys......any feedback on makin an air spade.....anyone.....i cant believe treeblaster hasnt told me to search for it..lol

 

[stickman]

Re: Bringing a tree back -- compost tea?

Do a soil sample first see what the tree needs ,micor.fungi is a must in area like that.Im making some compost tea this weekend from my composter if i can stan the smell /forum/images/graemlins/crazy.gifi will try it on some small plants and see what happens.we have big ambrosia beetle problem here with the oaks all the trees look stressed .to bad they don't rent airspades.