Everything dies in one place in my yard - Ask Extension
I have lived on this property three years. There is one place in my yard where we have tried growing two different trees. First we tried a serviceberr...
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Everything dies in one place in my yard #878471
Asked July 23, 2024, 5:03 PM EDT
I have lived on this property three years. There is one place in my yard where we have tried growing two different trees. First we tried a serviceberry which lived about a Year . This year we tried a lilac It seemed to do fine for a couple months then just started turning brown and Over a period of a few weeks now is completely dead. We think there might have been a tree out there in the past. Would it be helpful for us to get a soil test done? We wonder if there is some kind of toxin in the soil at this spot. O
Jackson County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Diane –
It absolutely would be helpful to get a soil test. Depending upon what that reveals, soil in the area in which you are trying to plant a tree or shrub may need to be amended or treated with nutrients or fertilizer.
Please note that the soil test does not include testing for soil contaminants (e.g. lead, arsenic, pesticides) or water contaminants (e.g. harmful bacteria). If you suspect something like this, you may wish to consult a Certified Arborist. We suggest Certified Arborists because they must pass a test and must acquire continuing education. You can locate such individuals at http://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist.aspx
