soil pH and trees

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jimwil22 rhinelander, WI(Zone 4a) Jun 21, 2007

our soil pH is 5.5 with excessive phosphorous, would growing trees that like a more neutral pH
require lime in the soil (hill's oak, juniper, bur oak, hazelnut )? also trees that like low pH
or acidic soil ( white pine, balsam fir , red oak , spruces) would these grow better here , or
benefit from more soil acidity like blueberries ? by the way the nearest lake is very acid
pH 4.5 -- could this area have been effected by acid rain ?

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jun 21, 2007

For trees, I think you'd be better off planting ones that are going to enjoy an acidic pH. Trees' roots go so deep into the soil and you're not going to possibly be able to raise the pH except for right near the surface, so I think the acid loving ones will be much happier in the long run.

As far as why the lake's pH is low--there are lots of things that control a lake's pH, it could have been caused by acid rain but could have been something else too--you could probably do some searching on your particular area and you may be able to find out whether your lake has always been acidic which would mean it's not from acid rain, or if its pH used to be higher a long time ago. If you're interested in more info on lake pH, here's an article that talks about some of the other things that can impact it: http://www.mbl.edu/publications/pub_archive/labnotes/1.1/acid.html

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snapple45 Holland, OH(Zone 5b) Jun 21, 2007

Some Junipers will grow in acid soil. This link, while not for your state, is close, sort of. Look for your local extension office and get advice. ercane3 has it right about the fact that there is only so much you can do to modify soil Ph. For any deep rooted plant or tree with a large root spread stick with what would naturally be happy.


http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/components/1731-29.html

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jimwil22 rhinelander, WI(Zone 4a) Jun 24, 2007

OK thanks for the common sense
answers, duh... maybe that's why
the white pines and balsam fir
do so well, if the deer let them
get above browsing height.jw

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