Choosing a tree should be a 50-year or more commitment. Unfortunately, many nursery trees—even at high-end garden centers—hide "genetic glitches" or circling roots that act like a slow-motion noose, killing the tree just as it reaches maturity.

Why hire Arbor Viridis for your selection?

• Spotting the "Hidden Killers": I inspect for girdling roots and trunk defects that are invisible to most people but fatal to a tree's future.

• Built to Last: I select specimens with a strong "backbone" and balanced branches. This ensures your tree grows into a safe, storm-resistant part of your home, not a falling hazard.

• Avoiding the "$2,000 Mistake": A "bargain" nursery tree with hidden defects usually becomes a dead tree that costs thousands to remove a few years later. My selection service is like an insurance policy for your landscape.

PRO TIP: "Don’t buy the 'tallest' tree in the row. Usually, the one with the best-looking trunk and a hidden, healthy root system is the one that will outgrow the others in three seasons."

Hiring us to select and plant your trees is a wise investment that will quickly pay off. We can save you thousands of dollars in maintenance and increase your property value. 

When planting a tree, whether from a seed or a young sapling, proper site preparation is absolutely critical. Just as a sturdy house relies on a solid foundation, trees depend on the right environment to thrive. If the soil hinders root development or if roots suffer damage during planting, the tree is bound to face significant challenges.

Let’s be clear: it’s crucial to avoid putting a $50 tree in a $5 hole. Many people invest in high-quality trees but fail to give the planting process the attention it deserves. This often results in poor growth and structural issues that could have been easily avoided.

Putting in the necessary time, effort, and resources to create an ideal environment for root growth is an absolute necessity. This is especially important in urban areas where soil conditions may be compromised. By prioritizing proper site preparation, you ensure that your tree will flourish and contribute positively to our urban landscape. Confidently investing in the right planting practices will pay off in the long run, resulting in healthier trees and a more vibrant environment.

In urban areas where soil is compacted like concrete, we don't just dig a hole. We use our Air-Spade technology to 'fluff' the surrounding soil without damaging existing roots or utilities. This creates a 'Super-Highway' for your new tree's roots to expand quickly and safely.

Water is essential for the growth and initial survival of newly planted trees, and it is vital to recognize that various species have different levels of susceptibility to moisture stress at different stages of their development. For example, fruit-bearing trees are particularly vulnerable during the flowering and fruit-setting phases. Irrigation is an important practice that ensures trees receive the necessary water at the right time. It should be implemented when soil moisture drops to a specific minimum level. Several effective instruments are available to measure soil moisture content accurately, allowing for timely irrigation once a predetermined moisture threshold is met.

Climatic conditions have a significant impact on water usage. Low relative humidity, high temperatures, and strong wind speeds can lead to increased soil surface evaporation and higher plant tissue transpiration rates. Consequently, this causes a greater loss of water from both the soil and the foliage.

PRO TIP 1: Drip irrigation is often ineffective for mature trees because it delivers small, precise amounts of water to a limited area around the base of the plants. Mature trees boast extensive root systems that spread far beyond the trunk, with most of the vital water-absorbing roots located at the drip line, the outer edge of the tree's canopy. Drip irrigation systems do not provide the coverage or volume needed to reach deeply into the soil across this broad root zone, resulting in inadequate hydration. As a result, trees face water stress, reduced growth, and heightened vulnerability to disease, especially in hot or dry climates. Recognizing these limitations and adopting more effective watering strategies for mature trees is essential.

PRO TIP 2:   Using landscape fabric and rock over a tree's root zones can severely harm tree health. The combination creates an impermeable barrier that restricts water infiltration and gas exchange, which is essential for root respiration. Additionally, the fabric often traps heat, while the rocks amplify it by absorbing and radiating intense sunlight. This creates a hostile microenvironment that dehydrates the soil and roots, exacerbating water stress. Over time, this setup can lead to shallow root growth, reduced nutrient uptake, and declining tree vigour, ultimately shortening the tree's lifespan. Such practices counteract natural processes, leaving trees vulnerable in already challenging conditions. Please reconsider rocks and landscape fabric and instead apply 3-4 inches of organic mulch over the root zones with no fabric. 

Bulk density, porosity and permeability are related physical characteristics of soil that can be modified with some success. It is common practice to add soil amendments when planting trees and shrubs. Amendments are added to improve the soil's physical and chemical characteristics. Peat moss is commonly used to reduce bulk density and increase porosity and moisture-holding capacity. Compost will additionally increase the fertility of the soil. However, these materials do not last long in the soil, and more must be added every year or two to maintain the desired characteristics. Another significant benefit of adding compost is the addition of an organic source of carbon. This will enhance microbial processes essential to the soil's overall health.

PRO TIP: Amending the soil excessively can create a dramatic contrast between the planting hole and the surrounding native soil, leading to issues like poor root growth, waterlogging, or drought stress as roots struggle to expand beyond the enriched area. Trees planted in their native soil establish deeper, more extensive root systems, making them more resilient to environmental stressors such as drought, wind, and temperature fluctuations. By preserving the natural soil structure and composition, you ensure better drainage, aeration, and compatibility with local microorganisms, fostering a balanced ecosystem that supports the tree’s growth and health over time.

Ensuring you plant the right tree in the right place prevents you from making costly mistakes with unsuitable trees in poor soil. Plant the right tree, and you won't have to worry about the soil.