Soil Improvement & Revitalisation
Precision soil care tailored to your site and trees
Soil Amelioration
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.
Our Soil Amelioration Services
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Compost & Organic
Matter IntegrationWe 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.
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Compost Tea
Production & ApplicationWe 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 InoculationSpecialist 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.
Why Choose Black Mountains?
- Arboricultural-led approach tailored for long-term success
- Independent, consultancy-based advice
- Integration with surveys, planting schemes and management
- Lantra-qualified consultant with practical field experience
- Site-specific recommendations, not generic solutions
- Collaboration-ready with designers and contractors
Book a Soil Improvement Assessment
We offer soil improvement and revitalisation across Wales, the West Midlands, South West England and beyond. Whether you’re working on a planning project, planting scheme or habitat restoration, we’ll help you get the ground conditions right from the outset.
Give your trees the foundation they need to thrive.
FAQ: Soil Improvement
What is soil improvement in arboriculture?
It refers to modifying soil conditions to better support tree health typically through improving soil structure, composition and biological function.