When Planting Trees Choose Permeable Root Aeration Tubes

Planting trees - root aeration tubes

Rootwell Product, Inc.’s root aeration tube in ground

Landscape design specifications frequently call for root aeration tubes to be placed around trees where there will be challenges for root establishment and growth. After all, when planting trees, you want to maximize the chances for healthy growth and long life.

Soil Challenges When Planting Trees

One of the greatest challenges to planting healthy trees is how to optimize root growth in less than ideal conditions like poor soil composition: The composition of soil refers to the material that is in it.

For the most part, when we consider the make-up of soil we are looking at the percentages of three different components, sand, clay, and silt. In order to be considered to be a fertile loam soil, there should be some of all these components. Differing levels of each of the components will affect the way that the soil absorbs water, retains water, and drains water.

The composition also affects the compaction characteristics of soil. When we speak of soil composition, we are generally referring to the A horizon of the soil, that layer that is just beneath the organic material on top (mostly decaying plant material) and above the parent material below. The organic materials interact with the parent materials in this layer and support what is known as the soil food web.

Generally speaking, an even mix of the three components (a little less clay, though) is optimum for root growth.

How to Choose the Right Root Aeration Tube

There are numerous options for root aeration tubes. Remember, the purpose of using root aeration tubes is to deliver both water and oxygen to the deeper soil below the tree you’ve planted. One popular design uses PVC plastic pipes with cross-drilled holes that provide the opening into the soil for aeration. With this design there is a limited amount of oxygen exchange because of the impervious nature of the plastic.

Rootwell’s Root Aeration Tubes Are Permeable

A far more effective design is the Rootwell Pro-318. The walls of these devices are highly permeable, providing oxygen exchange with all of the soil surrounding the device. Additionally, placed on the top of these devices is a convection cap that actively draws air into the chamber each night when the ambient temperature drops.

Rootwell devices are also beneficial for water and fertilizer delivery to the trees you’ve planted because of their open design on the top. Water can be delivered by drip emitter, hose, spray irrigation, or from precipitation.

If you want to promote root growth when planting trees Rootwell’s root aeration tubes are the answer. Contact us today to learn more.