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Stressed Trees Need Mycorrhizal
Fungi “Unlike most disease-forming fungi commonly associated with causing scab, rust, and anthracnose on trees, mycorrhizae are essential to tree health and development”, writes Rex Bastian, Ph.D., director of technical services at Hendricksen the Care of Trees. “Some mycorrhizae grow inside tree roots, some grow outside, others do both. Wherever they grow, mycorrhizae create thicker, more fibrous, and more far-reaching root systems. They improve a tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, especially phosphorus, which is otherwise difficult for tree roots to obtain from soil. In return, the root system serves as a place for the fungi to grow. 15-20 percent of the energy a tree produces can support the growth of mycorrhizae. Adding mycorrhizal spores to the soil may help trees which are stressed by poor or compacted soils, root injury, or a limited growth area such as a planter or near a sidewalk. Arborists have found them to be particularly helpful where tree roots have been damaged by construction. For more information about tree care using mycorrhizal fungi, contact Hendricksen’s tree experts at (847) 394-4220. |
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