Most soils can be classified as either sandy, loamy, or clay. The type of soil a young tree is planted in will have an effect on how quickly the tree becomes acclimated to the new location. They also vary in water absorption and holding rates, which is proportional to the tension in the soil. Tension is a physical condition that can be changed. A dry sponge has high tension that actually resists water until the water relaxes that tension. Tension also exists in water, which is what makes water form droplets. Rain-X, for example, is a product that chemically induces tension in water so it beads up and rolls off of your windshield.

Relaxing the tension in the water and the soil can greatly improve the percolation rate of water, allowing for much faster watering times. Not only does it improve the downward flow, but also the entire horizontal profile. As the water is more evenly dispersed, the water and nutrients are made more available to the root system. Relaxed soil has better water retention properties, which means less watering is required. All of the above is especially true in clay soils.

The best soils have low salt content a healthy microbial population. Low tension soil aids in both of these as well. Salts that are already in the soil, as well as those introduced with processed water, are allowed to be driven deeper where their interference is minimal. Microbes, which are naturally occurring organisms, are allowed to increase more freely, resulting in a better climate for the root system.

If you think your trees are trying to acclimate in soil that is high tension or high in salt, consider trying Professor Green Soil Penetrator. Poor soils can also use a nutrient boost available in the Professor Green Soil Enhance product. These organic products are in a very concentrated liquid form, so application rates are low. To maximize effectiveness, they should be applied with water through a root feeder.