2. Soil Preparation
Adding Organic Matter
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Ballarat soils can be heavy clay, which benefits from added organic matter. For sandy or less fertile soils, organic amendments also help retain nutrients.
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We recommend mixing in well-aged compost or a quality soil conditioner like Permafert into the soil as you back-fill hole around tree. This will help your new trees with moisture and nutrient uptake.
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If your soil is hard and compacted, consider mixing some 2nd or 3rd cut Lucerne hay into the soil at the time of planting. Lecerne is high in nitrogen, feeding your tree and helping to create pathways for moisture to soak down through the soil to the root-ball.
Fertiliser
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We recommend using a slow-release fertiliser at the time of planting. Please ask our team for information at the time of purchase so we can help you select the correct product for the tree.
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Remember to use low-phosphorus fertilisers designed for Australian natives as many Australian plants have a low phosphorus tolerance.
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For non-native ornamental trees, a balanced N-P-K slow-release fertiliser is typically appropriate. Incorporate it gently into the topsoil around (but not against) the root ball at planting time.