bmtreeconsultancy

Soil Analysis

Precision soil care tailored to your site and trees

Healthy trees start with healthy soil. Over time, soils can become compacted, depleted of nutrients, or imbalanced in their microbial communities making it harder for roots to access the air, water, and nutrients they need. Soil amelioration is the process of improving soil structure, fertility, and biological health to restore optimal growing conditions.

By enhancing the soil environment, we give trees the foundation they need to thrive improving resilience to pests, diseases, and environmental stress while promoting vigorous growth and longevity. Every treatment we provide is based on a detailed soil assessment to ensure it is tailored to your site’s conditions, the tree species present, and your specific objectives.

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Soil care for healthy tree growth
Soil Amelioration Process

What Is Soil Amelioration?

Soil amelioration refers to the process of improving soil structure, composition and biological health. Whether in urban developments, parks and gardens or heritage landscapes, tree roots often struggle with compacted, degraded, or poorly oxygenated soils. Left unaddressed, this can lead to poor growth, dieback and decline, or even tree death. We use integrated and ecologically conscious methods to correct these issues and restore healthy soil function.
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Our Soil Improvement Techniques Include:

  • Tree Roots

    Airspading & Decompaction

    Compacted soil can suffocate roots and restrict water and nutrient uptake. Using compressed air, we gently loosen the soil without damaging roots, bark, or underground utilities. This creates healthier pore spaces in the soil, allowing roots to breathe and expand naturally.

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    Radial Trenching & Vertical Mulching

    We create decompacted channels or pits in a radial pattern from the base of the tree and backfill them with nutrient-rich material. This targeted approach encourages root regrowth into improved soil conditions, boosting vitality and nutrient availability.

  • Growing Seeds

    Biochar Application

    We incorporate high-quality biochar into the soil to enhance structure, increase nutrient and moisture retention, and create a lasting habitat for beneficial soil microbes. Biochar is stable for decades, offering long-term improvements to soil health.

  • Mulching Png

    Mulching

    A protective layer of organic mulch is applied to conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed competition. As it naturally breaks down, it adds organic matter that nourishes the soil ecosystem.

  • Shovel icon for planting and ground work

    Compost & Organic
    Matter Integration

    We blend well-matured compost and organic matter into the soil to boost fertility and encourage a thriving population of beneficial fungi and bacteria key allies in supporting healthy root systems.

  • Liquid drop tree care icon

    Compost Tea
    Production & Application

    We brew biologically active liquid composts rich in beneficial microorganisms, then apply them directly to the soil. This rapidly inoculates the root zone with organisms that improve nutrient cycling and protect against soil-borne diseases.

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    Surface Dressing &
    Mycorrhizal Inoculation

    Specialist mycorrhizal fungi are introduced to promote healthier, more extensive root systems. These fungi form symbiotic relationships with roots, increasing nutrient and water absorption while improving tree resilience.

Each treatment is chosen based on a detailed soil assessment, ensuring it suits the site’s conditions, species present, and client goals.

Who Is This For?

Our soil improvement services are suitable for:
  • Urban and suburban trees suffering from compaction or decline
  • Estate managers and woodland owners improving tree health post-construction
  • Landscape designers integrating long-term tree and plant success
  • Planning projects needing mitigation strategies for retained trees
  • Rewilding and biodiversity schemes aiming to restore natural systems

Whether you’re managing mature trees or alleviating construction related impacts, healthy soil is non-negotiable.

Why Choose Black Mountains?

  • Professional Tree Inspector-led service with ecological expertise
  • Use of low-impact, specialist tools (e.g. airspade)
  • Integrated approach with surveys and ongoing tree care
  • Tailored treatment plans backed by soil science
  • Coverage across All of Wales, the West Midlands, South West England and beyond
We bring together technical knowledge and hands-on experience to get to the root of the problem and fix it, sustainably.

Give Your Trees the Ground They Deserve

Unhealthy soil often means unhealthy trees. Our ground amelioration services help build resilience, longevity and strong ecological value beneath the surface.

Let’s make your soil work smarter and your trees grow stronger.

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FAQ: Soil Improvement & Amelioration

What causes poor soil conditions for trees?
Common causes include construction compaction, poor drainage, lack of nutrients, contamination, and depleted microbial life.
Airspading uses compressed air to loosen soil around roots without cutting or damaging them. It’s ideal for decompaction.
Biochar improves soil structure, boosts nutrient retention and promotes beneficial fungi — all key for healthy root systems.
It creates decompacted channels radiating from the base of a tree, encouraging fine root growth into enriched soil.
Yes – we offer solutions for both single specimens and larger landscapes, tailored to site needs and budgets.
It’s a brewed liquid made from high-quality compost, packed with beneficial microorganisms that enrich the soil when applied.
Yes – where appropriate, we assess structure, moisture, compaction, and organic content to ensure the right solution.
Improvement times vary, but most trees begin showing signs of recovery or improved vigour within a single growing season.
Absolutely – it’s often part of a wider plan that includes pruning, bracing, or root protection strategies.
Yes – improving soil before planting is one of the best investments you can make for long-term tree health.