Will many shrubs survive if planted in soil with a pH of 4.8?
On the sunny side of the yard, we installed 3 Knock-Out roses, which they say have never been pruned. The roses are less than 3 feet tall.
In the shady areas there are groupings of azaleas, anise, Shasta viburnum, fothergilla, buckeye, cephalotaxus, oakleaf hydrangeas, daphne, and a few other plants.
The oakleafs are the happiest of the plants, but still fairly small after 3.5 years. 100% of the anise are dead. While there with them, I pulled up photos of their installation taken at completion of the install, and there was almost no change in size.
The homeowners then mentioned that they had soil test results in a file. When she brought them out, one section that was tested in the middle of the backyard showed a pH of 4.8. I know that certain plants enjoy acidic soils, but 4.8 is the lowest that I have ever seen.
Would this very low pH be a possible reason for the very poor performance of their investment in their landscape? As we do with all of our clients, I want to figure out what is going on and help to correct any issues so that their backyard will flourish and grow.
Thanks for any advice or ideas.
-
3po3 on Apr 12, 2012I'm pretty sure you know more about all this than I do, but my understanding is that acid soils keep plants from absorbing and using nutrients, so it could be the problem with lack of growth. It's easy enough to correct, and it couldn't hurt to add lime or otherwise boost the pH.Helpful Reply
-
-
Southern Trillium LLC on Apr 12, 2012Steve, you are correct about the root absorption, but many of the plants should do fine with a pH level of low 5. I also just remembered the we noticed the Shasta Viburnum and Itea are all dead. They said they were living last year before the leaves dropped but I see no sign of even a single leaf bud forming on any of the shrubs. It is always tough to be presented with a situation that is new and to have no good answer. But it does make me want to do more research and figure out the problem.Helpful Reply
-
-
Douglas Hunt on Apr 13, 2012In Florida, soils with a pH as low as 4 are known, although rare. One of the issues of a low pH is that the solubility of some minerals (particularly aluminum) may increase to levels that are actually toxic to plants.Helpful Reply
-
-
Walter Reeves on Apr 13, 2012I think Doug's answer is closest. Aluminum toxicity from low pH.Helpful Reply
-
-
Southern Trillium LLC on Apr 13, 2012Thanks Doug and Walter. I figured while meeting with the clients that with such a low pH, it was causing the major problems. The homeowners did pose the question regarding what will be the solution to such a problem. She said she did not want to be spreading lime or other materials over the yard constantly. Having never dealt with a soil pH this low, any ideas on how to best raise it? We cannot till in the soil due to the tree roots from all the surrounding hardwoods. If Lime is added, does it require annual upkeep and testing to maintain a higher pH? They have a chemical maintenance company that treats the lawns, and has looked at the shrubs before, but they never did anything to adjust the pH of the soil either. Today, I am going to take 3 more soil samples from different locations in the yard and send those in for more current results from exact locations. But the homeowners are still wanting to know how to best improve the conditions. Thanks for the help.Helpful Reply
-
-
Douglas Hunt on Apr 14, 2012It's easier to raise pH than lower it. But I do believe lime needs to be worked in to the soil because it doesn't move into the soil the way a soluble fertilizer would. If they have wood stove or fireplace ash they could spread that on the beds as well.Helpful Reply
-
-
Ken H on Dec 28, 2012Check out this link from a university study: www.soiltesting.okstate.edu/Extn_Pub/F-2239web.pdfHelpful Reply
-
-
Ken H on Dec 28, 2012I live in Florida when I had troubles with my newly planted roses I used a sulfer additive to get the soil PH at a much better level. As the PH gets acidic (sandy soil, lots of rain) the roses need to have the PH adjusted again.Helpful Reply
-
-
Elle on Dec 28, 2012The low pH affects whether and what nutrients can be accessed by plants. Before you start adding things to change the soil pH, contact your county extension agent who can advice you on proper amounts of lime, etc. Also speak with a county Master Gardener who is familiar with local growing conditions and plants: http://www.extension.org/pages/9925/state-and-provincial-master-gardener-programs:-extension-and-affiliated-program-listings A word of caution: my dad ruined my mother's veggie garden by adding lime. Don't amend soil unless you know how and how much!Helpful Reply
-
Related Discussions
GNATS - How to get rid of them?
Somehow my house and garden got tiny gnats that killed my fuchsia plant and fly everywhere. I have tried ALL the Web recommendations - soap and oil dishes, sand in th... See more
Marigolds growing! Should I pinch the buds?
My marigold plants are growing. I heard that pinching the buds until Autumn will allow them to grow without killing the plant. Is this true?
Growing garlic
Growing our first garlic, should we wait until the leaves are drying out before we pick it? Husband picked first one today along with our first potatoes.
How to keep mice out of your garden?
Hi everyone, I have mice in my garden destroying my vegetables and I have also noticed them in the barn and shed. Please can someone tell me how to prevent them from ... See more
What's the best flower/plant to grow in Texas?
I know that opinions vary, but what's your opinion?!I have great luck w Rosemary plants. Green all year long.
Squash Plants Large and Healthy and no Squash Growing?
2nd Season in a ROW! Squash plants growing large and healthy leaves and the stems near the roots are looking healthy and turning dark green, getting flowers that grow... See more
Trail of dead grass mystery?
Trail of dead grass appeared two weeks ago that starts in neighbor's yard and goes to the sidewalk, then continues past the sidewalk in a line into the grass into my ... See more