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Root Stimulators - Soil Injections

14 years ago

I planted about 15 trees and 100 shrubs over the last 2 years. I had a tree service over to check a few things out and he recommended a soil injected root stimulator for the trees and various shrubs (mainly the slower growers, like magnolia and witchazel).

Has any had this service done before? Is it something even worth while or is it a ploy for the tree service compaines to make some money?

The service is a well known company and employs some of the best aborists in the state, so that doesn't worry me.

Its is it worth $180 if they have already been in a year?

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Comments (4)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
14 years ago
TREES AND SHRUBS NEVER.. EVER.. NEED FERTILIZER .. OR STIMULIZER ..... UNLESS A SOIL TEST INDICATES SOMETHING IS LACKING IN THE SOIL ...

just send me the money.. and you shrubs will be the same next year.. with or without the application ...

ken

PS: if they are near a lawn that is fertilized.. then they get what they need ...

PPS: if there is nothing wrong with the plants.. why would you now begin to solve a problem that doesnt exist ...

PPPS: i smell snake oil ...
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
14 years ago
Such treatments can be very valuable if your soil is compacted, or poor top soil brought in from a borrow pit somewhere (often the case in construction).

I've seen very good responses just from treatments with plain water (no additives). A good piece of equipment can infiltrate the soil with lots of oxygenated water, a real boost for root systems and rhizospheres.

Personally, I'd find out a little bit more about the ingredients of the 'root stimulator'. And let us know more about the condition of your soil.
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Very interesting information! I must admit I am brand new to the gardening world- learning as I grow! I purchased the root stimulator last year upon advice from an associate at a local and what I consider a trustworthy, family-owned nursery in town. That being said, I assumed he knew what he was doing and bit the bait! Thanks for the input that it is a waste of resources! I heard the same thing on the hydrangea forum. We purchased our home in Athens a year ago. I discovered multiple beauties growing in my yard once spring of last year hit! Hostas are very happy here under a canopy of beautiful white oaks! I had to relocate several of my friends this year. I learned the hard way that our neighborhood deer eat hostas like candy! So, it sounds like what I am hearing is to leave them alone as long as they are in happy soil and getting plenty of water? What should I fertilize with if anything?
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whaas_5a
Original Author
14 years ago
The soil is slightly compacted as its higher in clay content.

I don't plan to use fertilizer, just the root stimulant to help the plant establish quicker.
Embothrium
14 years ago
Â Vitamin B-1, aka thiamine, does not reduce transplant shock or stimulate new root growth on
plants outside the laboratory
Â A nitrogen fertilizer is adequate for transplanting landscape plants; avoid use of "transplant
fertilizers" that contain phosphate
Â Healthy plants will synthesize their own thiamine supply
Â Healthy soils contain beneficial microbes that synthesize thiamine as well
Â Difficult-to-transplant species may be aided by application of auxin-containing products in
addition to nitrogen, but read the label and donÂt add unnecessary and potentially harmful
chemicals (this includes organics!)
Â Adequate soil moisture is crucial for new root growth; be sure to irrigate new transplants
frequently and use mulch to reduce evaporation

Here is a link that might be useful: The Myth of Vitamin Stimulants

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