A soil test will give you all types of valuable information about the best types of ways to care for your plants!
When our plants or trees are in trouble, the first instinct we have is to reach for a hose to help hydrate them or lay down fertilizer and hope for some new growth. However, issues with plants are not always about what is happening above ground – sometimes, we must dig deeper. When the soil is not in good shape, it could really affect a plant’s health. In fact, it is estimated that around 80 percent of issues with plants can be traced back to the soil it’s in. If the soil is unhealthy, it won’t be good for your trees or plants. That is why it’s so crucial to test your yard’s soil. A soil test will give you all types of valuable information about the best types of ways to care for your plants. Read on to learn how you can do a soil test on your property!
How to Properly Perform a Soil Test in Your Yard
You will need a testing kit, garden trowel, and bucket to perform a soil test. To test the soil, take these steps:
- Pick an area in your plant bed to start, and dip the trowel around six to ten inches. Pull up the chunk of soil then add it to your bucket.
- Repeat this process around ten to 15 more times.
- Mix in your samples together in your bucket.
- Scoop out two cups of the mixed sample and set it aside for future testing.
What Does a Soil Test Check For?
A soil test will check for two things, soil pH and the available nutrients within the soil. That sounds like mumbo-jumbo, but knowing these things will help you a lot. If soil pH is too low or high, plants are unable to take in much of the nutrients provided to them within the soil. Get a soil test, and you’re able to pinpoint precisely what your soil needs to help balance out the pH levels. This means no more playing guessing games to find out why the plants will not grow. Tests will also check for any available nutrients. Once you know which nutrients the soil lacks, you can pick a fertilizer that fills in the gaps. Just consider the time and money you can save by knowing just which type of fertilizer your plants require, and how much to use. To drive the point home, soil tests are quick. If you don’t feel like doing it, you can always hire the team at Harford Tree to come take a look!
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh and Middle River.
For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.