You can’t grow a healthy tree without healthy soil—plain and simple. Soil isn’t just dirt; it’s a living, breathing foundation filled with nutrients, organic matter, microorganisms, and moisture supporting plant life. When something is off balance—compaction, poor drainage, or nutrient depletion—your trees and plants will start showing signs. You might notice slower growth, discolored leaves, weak branches, or increased pests and diseases. Arborists are trained to assess these conditions and understand what your soil might lack. By looking at the health of your trees, they can often trace problems back to the soil itself and create a care plan that supports better long-term growth.

Knowing what’s going on underground is key to improving plant health. That’s where professional soil testing comes into play. When an arborist tests your soil, they check for pH levels, nutrient content, moisture retention, and signs of compaction or contamination. These aren’t things you can see just by looking—accurate readings require expert tools and interpretation. With that data, your arborist can make targeted recommendations like adjusting pH, applying organic matter, or using slow-release fertilizers. These steps might sound simple, but when applied correctly, they can completely change how your trees grow. Healthy soil allows roots to spread more freely, which makes trees stronger, more resilient, and better able to resist stress from weather or pests.

Your soil may be compacted if your yard sees a lot of foot traffic or construction has recently occurred. Compacted soil doesn’t allow water, air, or nutrients to move freely through the root zone, which can seriously stunt your plants. Drainage issues add another layer of trouble—too much water can suffocate roots and promote fungal growth. Arborists use tools like air spades to break up dense soil without damaging nearby roots. They can also recommend ways to improve drainage, such as redirecting water flow or introducing soil amendments with the right amount of moisture. If your trees are struggling despite your best efforts, the real issue might be happening below the surface.

Adding organic material is one of the most effective ways to improve soil health. Arborists often suggest mulching with wood chips, composting, or using cover crops to build soil structure and feed beneficial microbes. These microorganisms play a massive role in how well your plants absorb nutrients. When you make a rich, living soil, your trees don’t just survive—they thrive. You’ll see better leaf color, stronger branches, and fewer pest issues over time. Adding organic matter also helps balance moisture levels, preventing drought stress and waterlogging. It’s a natural, eco-friendly solution that benefits everything from your lawn to the tallest tree in your yard.

If your plants and trees aren’t performing as they should, it’s easy to assume the problem lies above ground. But often, the root of the issue—literally—is the soil. Arborists are uniquely trained to diagnose these less-visible problems and take direct action to solve them. Their knowledge goes far beyond general gardening advice. They consider your specific environment, the type of plants you’re growing, and long-term health, not just quick fixes. You’ll get expert insight tailored to your yard, whether compacted clay, poor drainage, or missing nutrients.

If you’re concerned about the health of your trees, don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Call Ted Safford & Son Arborists today at (858) 692-2294. Our certified arborists are here to assess your trees, diagnose any issues, and provide expert care that promotes long-term health and beauty.