What's your question? Ask

Soil Problems

Q.soil problem

Zone Auckland New Zealand | ClaudiaG added on March 1, 2016 | Answered

My soil is full of a root matter. It looks like it grows in banshees. The roots are thin and yellowish white and brown, and the soil is quite dry. I thought I removed it but now a few months later I dig again and find this big ball of roots and soil. It’s like a weed that grows underground but is made just of roots. The soil is also very dry, even after a strong watering it is wet only on the first layer. Two inches below is dry, and three inches below all these roots grow. Can anybody tell me what’s my problem? I added some photos.

A.Answers to this queston: Add Answer
Downtoearthdigs
Answered on March 1, 2016

It appears that is a large tree in the background of the image.
The majority of large trees roots are in the upper 18" to 24" of the soil.
Most roots, therefore, the important, tiny, absorbing roots, will be found near the soil surface.
Your soil is feeling dry, due to the fact that the trees or shrubs are absorbing and using the water and nutrients.

You can amend the soil or add additional soil to help the condition of your soil, but these roots will continue to grow.

Digging up or trying to replace the soil could harm or eventually kill the trees or shrubs.

If you are looking to plant in this area you could choose a ground cover.

Here are some links that will help you.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/gcgen/ground-covers-under-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/planting-garden-beneath-trees.htm
rna
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tips-for-growing-grass-under-a-tree.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/improving-garden-soil.htm

Was this answer useful?
00

Log in or sign up to help answer this question.

Did you find this helpful? Share it with your friends!

You must be logged into your account to answer a question.

If you don't have an account sign up for an account now.

Looking for more?
here are more questions about...
Soil Problems
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

OK