How do you amend particularly rocky soil? Compost and sand are important additives when you need to amend soil before a planting. If you have particularly rocky soil, how to amend it is really a series of...
If you have particularly rocky soil, how to amend it is really a series of simple steps. Our panel of top experts from Greenview Landscaping including Johanna who has been a landscape designer with the company since 2002, Ben who is a landscape design/build manager, and Tom who serves as the company's maintenance manager says, "You are going to dig the hole a little bit larger than you normally would and you are going to use a lot of compost and plenty of sand; anything that is going to help that tree or shrub get off to a good start. When digging the hole, you want to breakup the site of the hole also." The experts say that when planting the shrub, "It is very important that the root ball be loosened up. All of these things help the roots get established."
There are a variety of ways to find a nutrient rich supply of compost. Look around for local companies or farmers that offer it or just use what is available in your own yard such as leaves and other debris. Since nature knows what she is doing, this may not only be the cheapest way to go, but the best resource for your particular landscaping also.
The use of sand in rocky soil helps with the proper drainage of the roots. It naturally soaks up water so, in turn, will keep the moisture where it is needed for a longer time after a rain shower or hand watering of the plant. One has to only think of building sand castles to see how this technique works to produce healthier results.
Breaking up the soil before putting the plant in the ground enables the roots to grow in various directions instead of bunching up, maybe resulting in the plant not being able to sustain itself. It gives the roots a better chance of reaching through the rockiness of the soil to reach the nutrients and moisture that they need. Most experts recommend to gently breakup the root ball also, to help in this endeavor. How to exactly do this should be inquired about beforehand, though, because different plants react in different ways and you wouldn't want to damage it before you even have it in the ground.
The use of fertilizer in rocky soil can be trickier than under normal conditions, so it is best to ask someone that is already knowledgeable about working with rocky soil before beginning the process. You do not want the chemicals to bunch around the roots and "burn" them. A simple call to your local garden center should answer any questions you may have as well as give you some ideas on exactly what to use. Putting a fair amount of natural compost around the yearling should be enough at the beginning, but you may need to fertilize it in the future; knowing beforehand about how to do so properly in rocky soil, will give you the advantage of planning ahead.
Having particularly rocky soil doesn't necessarily mean that you have to settle for less then beautiful landscaping. Others, with a better soil for planting may have it easier but armed with an expert's knowledge and a little extra effort, your yard can be the one that's "greener on the other side of the fence".
