Ferlili/iiig and Watering Trees 



ease and least damage to the tree with an increment borer or 

 increment hammer (Figure 2), which are available at most 

 garden supply stores by special order. Both are commonly 

 used by arborists and foresters, who compare cores of wood 

 from trees to determine their growth-rate characteristics. 



Condition of the soil 



In addition to the condition of the plants, the condition of 

 the soil must be known. In most instances, the best tool is a 

 soil-profile tube (Figure 3), but a spade or trowel can also 

 be used for taking samples of the soil. Several factors 

 affecting the condition of the soil should be considered. 



1 . How deep is the tupsoil? Depth is important because topsoil 

 contains the organic matter and the microorganisms 

 essential to the recycling of mineral elements in plant debris. 

 It is the volume of soil with the physical, chemical, and 

 biological properties favorable for root growth. The greater 

 the depth of topsoil, the greater the water storage capacity 

 and the greater the depth of root penetration. 



Fic;uRF. 1. The upper two twigs are from a vigorous white ash. The current 

 season's growth — the part between the tips of the twigs and the bud scale scars 

 (indicated by arrows) nearest the tips — is long and thick and has plump buds. 

 The previous season's growth (partially shown to the right of the arrows) is also 

 long and thick. The lower two twigs are from a less vigorous white ash. The 

 current and previous seasons' growths are shorter and more spindly and have 

 smaller buds. 



