Keeping your trees healthy starts underground. In Atlanta GA, where soil conditions can shift from yard to yard, maintaining soil pH plays a significant role in your trees’ long-term health. The right pH level helps trees absorb nutrients, grow strong roots, and fight off pests and diseases.
In this blog, we’ll break down what soil pH is, why it matters, and how to manage it for optimal tree growth. Contact us today!
What Is Soil pH and Why Should You Care?
Soil pH measures the soil’s acidic or alkaline state on a scale from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline). Most trees prefer a range between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
Problems caused by unbalanced soil pH:
- Yellowing or curling leaves
- Slow or weak growth
- Poor results from fertilizing
- Increased risk of pests and diseases
Still not sure what your pH levels are? Start with a soil test. It’s a quick and straightforward way to know what your trees need.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Soil pH
Once you know your soil’s pH, small changes can go a long way toward helping your trees thrive.
How to raise pH (make it less acidic):
- Add garden lime (granular or powdered)
- Use wood ash sparingly as a natural booster
- Mix in balanced compost to reduce acidity
How to lower pH (make it more acidic):
- Apply sulfur or aluminum sulfate
- Add peat moss around the root zone
- Use acidic mulch like pine needles
Learn more ways to naturally enhance your soil in our Tips for Nutrient-Rich Soil guide.
How pH Affects Fertilizer and Soil Nutrition
If your soil pH is off, your tree roots may struggle to absorb key nutrients—even if you fertilize regularly.
- In high pH soil, iron and phosphorus are harder to absorb
- In low pH soil, calcium and magnesium may become deficient
That’s why pH and fertilization go hand-in-hand. Visit our post on Tree Fertilization Methods to choose the right products after testing your soil or contact us today!
Don’t Forget About Erosion and Soil Structure
Even with a perfect pH, soil can lose its health due to erosion, especially after heavy rain or runoff.
Combine pH management with erosion control:
- Use mulch to protect topsoil
- Add compost to increase soil stability
- Plant groundcovers to hold soil in place
We cover these ideas more in our Preventing Soil Erosion blog.
Maintaining pH as Part of Complete Tree Health
Good soil pH is just one part of the puzzle. To keep your trees at their best, don’t forget to:
- Prune regularly for airflow and shape
- Water deeply to promote strong root growth
- Monitor tree health each season for early signs of stress
Need a complete plan? Head to our Tree Health Improvement page for everything you need to know.
FAQs About Maintaining Soil pH for Trees
1. What’s the best pH level for most trees in Atlanta GA?
Between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal. Some native trees tolerate slightly more acidic soils, but testing is the best way to know for sure.
2. Can I fix my soil’s pH without chemicals?
Yes! Compost, mulch, and organic materials can help naturally buffer the soil. Wood ash and peat moss are also good organic pH adjusters.
3. How often should I test and adjust my soil pH?
Every 1–2 years is a good rule of thumb, or anytime your trees show signs of nutrient deficiency or stress.
Ready to Balance Your Soil and Boost Tree Health?
If your trees are struggling to grow, it might be time to take a closer look at your soil. Maintaining soil pH is a simple but powerful step toward creating a thriving landscape.
Need help testing or adjusting your soil in Atlanta? Contact Ayala Tree Services for expert help with soil pH, fertilization, and long-term tree care.