Planting young trees: Mycorrhiza as a starting aid

Table of Contents

• What is mycorrhiza?
• How can mycorrhiza support a young tree?
• Not every soil offers optimal conditions.
• Mycorrhiza alone is not sufficient.
• Worm compost and mycorrhiza in combination
• Does every newly planted tree need mycorrhiza?
• Proper watering after planting
• Mulch protects soil and soil life
• Common mistakes when caring for young trees

For a tree, planting initially means stress: numerous fine roots are lost during digging up in the nursery or repotting. These fine roots are precisely what's responsible for absorbing water and nutrients. After planting, the tree must simultaneously overcome several challenges:

• new soil conditions
• new water conditions
• new microorganisms
  
• Development of new fine roots
• Supply of trunk, branches and leaves

During this phase, many young trees are particularly sensitive to water scarcity and unfavorable soil conditions. The development of a strong root system is therefore crucial for later growth.

What is mycorrhiza?

mycorrhiza This describes the natural symbiosis between plant roots and certain soil fungi. The term comes from Greek and translates as "fungus root".

In this process, fine fungal threads connect with the tree's roots, forming a shared nutrient supply system. The tree provides the fungus with sugars it produces through photosynthesis. In return, the fungus helps the tree absorb water and nutrients. This symbiotic relationship has existed for millions of years and is found in most tree species.

How can mycorrhiza support a young tree?

The fine fungal threads of mycorrhizae are significantly thinner than tree roots and can reach even the smallest soil pores. This considerably increases the effective absorption area of ​​the roots. Mycorrhizae can help with this:

• to better access water
  
• to make phosphorus available
• absorb trace elements
• to support fine roots
  
• to increase resistance to drought stress

Not every soil offers optimal conditions.

Although mycorrhizae are widespread in natural soils, conditions are not ideal everywhere. The following factors can impair the fungal network:

• soil compaction
  
• long periods of drought
• severe soil disturbances
  
• Humus deficiency
• intensive soil cultivation

Especially in severely disturbed, compacted or humus-poor soils, the diversity and activity of soil life can be limited.

Mycorrhiza alone is not sufficient.

It is also important to emphasize that mycorrhiza does not function in isolation. The fungi are part of a complex soil ecosystem. For the symbiosis to develop permanently, the soil requires:

• sufficient moisture
• organic matter
• microorganisms
• Oxygen
• Humus

Therefore, young trees particularly benefit from holistic soil care.

Worm compost and mycorrhiza in combination

Well-developed Worm compost It introduces organic matter and nutrients into the soil and can support soil structure and biological activity. In doing so, it can create favorable conditions for the development of roots and soil organisms.

Does every newly planted tree need mycorrhiza?

Not every newly planted tree needs an additional mycorrhizal preparation. Mycorrhizal fungi occur naturally in many soils and can already live in symbiosis with the roots of suitable plants. Under favorable conditions, a natural symbiosis between the tree and soil fungi can therefore develop even without additional preparations.

Whether the use of a mycorrhizal preparation is advisable depends on various factors. These include the tree species, the existing soil conditions, the location, and the fungal species contained in the preparation. Not every mycorrhizal fungus is equally suitable for every tree species. Particularly in heavily disturbed, compacted, or biologically inactive soils, the conditions for natural colonization can be less favorable.

Mycorrhiza should therefore not be seen as a miracle cure. A preparation cannot replace suitable growing conditions. For the successful establishment of a young tree, proper planting, sufficiently penetrable soil, oxygen, and adequate water supply remain crucial.

Those wishing to use mycorrhizae should therefore not only consider the product itself, but also the entire growing environment. Healthy soil, sufficient moisture, and proper care create the foundation for the long-term development of roots and soil organisms.

Proper watering after planting

Even the best mycorrhiza can only become active if sufficient moisture is present. Young trees should be watered after planting. regularly and thoroughly watered They will. Especially in the first three to five years, they need additional support. It is important to note:

• It's better to water infrequently but thoroughly.
• Avoid waterlogging
• Do not allow the soil to dry out completely

A slow release of water via drip irrigation or irrigation bags can help to keep the moisture more evenly distributed in the root area.

Mulch protects soil and soil life

A mulch layer It complements the effects of mycorrhiza and irrigation. Mulch can:

• reduce evaporation
• Compensate for temperature fluctuations
• Build up humus
• promote soil life

Suitable examples include:

• Laub
• wood chips
• grass clippings
• bark

There should always be some space between the mulch and the trunk.

Common mistakes when caring for young trees

Too little water

Many young trees are watered too infrequently after planting. Especially in dry summers, this can quickly lead to drought stress.

compacted soil

If water cannot seep away or the roots do not receive oxygen, growth becomes more difficult.

Too much fertilizer

Heavy applications of mineral fertilizers are usually unnecessary for young trees. They can disrupt the natural balance in the soil.

Lack of soil protection

Unprotected soils dry out faster and heat up more.