Strong roots, strong answers: 9 questions about TerraCottem & trees
02/02/2020 - 00:00
When you plant a tree, you want to give it the best possible start — and ensure it thrives for years to come. TerraCottem plays a key role in achieving that. In this article, we answer the ten most frequently asked questions about using TerraCottem with trees: from which variant to choose, to how much to apply, and whether it can also be used on established trees. Read on and discover how to give your trees a strong, healthy start with confidence.
Why should I use TerraCottem for my trees?
Planting a tree is a significant investment. The tree itself can be costly, and planting and aftercare also require time and resources. It’s only natural that you want to give your tree the best possible chance to survive and grow into a healthy, vigorous specimen.
Less transplant shock
A young tree always experiences stress when it’s moved from the nursery to its new location. TerraCottem helps reduce this transplant shock, enabling the tree to adapt faster and continue growing smoothly.
Nutrition from day one
TerraCottem enriches the soil around the root zone, creating the ideal environment for new root growth. As the tree begins to form new roots, they’ll have immediate access to the nutrients and moisture they need to establish quickly.
More efficient water use
Thanks to TerraCottem, water is retained in the soil for longer. This gives the tree longer access to moisture, reduces the need for watering and lowers the costs of aftercare.
Protection against heat and drought
Trees planted with TerraCottem have an advantage during hot summers and longer dry periods. They are more resistant to stress caused by extreme weather conditions.
This gives your trees the best start from day one and the best chance of a healthy future.
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Emile Beel - B-Garden Bv Reading tip: "Trees with character: The story behind the monumental Parrotia Persica" |
Which TerraCottem should I use for my trees?
The choice is yours:
- TerraCottem arbor has been specially developed for planting trees and shrubs and is the favourite choice of tree lovers. It works on the same principle as TerraCottem universal, but contains additional components, such as water-soluble humic acids and tree-specific fertilisers (with a duration of 12 months), which give the trees that extra boost. It is also very popular with city and municipal parks departments.
- TerraCottem universal, our most widely used soil conditioner, is — as the name suggests — suitable for almost any application, including lawns. It’s available in 5 kg and 10 kg tubs as well as 20 kg bags, so you can easily choose the right quantity for your project. Gardeners also love TerraCottem universal for giving new plants an instant boost. Simple and versatile — one product for all your greenery.
How much TerraCottem should I mix into the planting hole?
An excellent question. The amount of TerraCottem does indeed depend on the size of the planting hole, i.e. the size of the tree.
The amount of TerraCottem soil conditioner needed when planting trees and shrubs is very small: only 1.5 grams per litre of soil = 1.5 kg per m³ of backfill soil.
This handy table shows you the TerraCottem rate for the most frequently used plant holes:
| Diam. root ball (cm) |
Width, B (cm) |
Length, L (cm) |
Depth, D (cm) |
Planthole volume, V (l) |
TC rate (*) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 20 | 20 | 10 | 4 | 5 g | = 1 teaspoon |
| 15 | 30 | 30 | 15 | 13,5 | 20 g | = 1 spoon |
| 20 | 40 | 40 | 20 | 32 | 50 g | = 1 lid of 750g jar |
| 25 | 50 | 50 | 25 | 62,5 | 100 g | = 2 lids |
| 35 | 70 | 70 | 35 | 171,5 | 250 g | The 5kg and 10kg tubs include a measuring cup |
| 45 | 90 | 90 | 45 | 364,5 | 500 g | |
| 55 | 110 | 110 | 55 | 665,5 | 1 kg | |
| 100 | 200 | 200 | 100 | 4000 | 6 kg | |
| 200 | 400 | 400 | 200 | 32000 | 50 kg | |
Is the size of the planting hole important for my tree to thrive?
Extremely important!
Plants thrive better in larger plant holes.
A larger planting hole means a larger volume of loosened and therefore well-aerated soil. Ideal for healthy root growth.
And remember - no soil is perfect. Every type has its limitations. For example, sandy soil drains well but holds very little water and nutrients. Clay soil, on the other hand, retains both moisture and nutrients but tends to drain poorly.
To balance these characteristics, use a soil conditioner to improve texture and fertility.
Would you like to learn more about the ideal size and importance of plant holes?
Have a look at our blog post "Good size plant hole and soil conditioning for successful tree planting".
TerraCottem soil conditioners are balanced mixtures of more than 20 components consisting of 4 groups of components: water-absorbing polymers, nutrients, biostimulants and mineral carrier material.
How big should I make the planting hole?
The rule of thumb is to dig a planting hole twice the size of the root ball.
The depth is often the height of the bare root, B&B root or the container in which your tree was planted. This ensures that the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
Based on these dimensions, you can then calculate the actual size of the planting hole. In other words, the volume of the soil that comes out of the planting hole. And that is precisely what is important for calculating the rate of TerraCottem (see question 4).
Does that sound like a difficult math problem?!?!
Then head over to our blog post "How much TerraCottem for my trees".
You’ll find every step laid out clearly — with some handy visuals to guide you along the way.
Can I also use TerraCottem on established trees?
TerraCottem works in the root zone, right at the level of the roots, where it retains water and stimulates root development.
To be effective, it must be spread evenly in the planting hole. That is why it is easiest (and most effective) to apply TerraCottem when planting.
However, there are ways to apply TerraCottem to previously planted trees or mature trees.
- This can be done, for example, using the “drill hole method”.
- Or via vertical drainage such as Drainjet.
On this page, you will find a video of both methods.
Contact us at info@terracottem.com for more information.
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Roeland Vranckx - Landscape architecture Vranckx Reading tip: "In the spotlight: Landscape architecture Vranckx" |
How do I plant a tree with TerraCottem?
Earlier, you read that a good planting hole is the basis for healthy tree growth and that TerraCottem works precisely around the roots.
That is why it is important to thoroughly mix the TerraCottem soil conditioner with the backfill soil. This ensures that the product is evenly distributed in the root zone and that the young roots can optimally benefit from water, air and nutrients.
In practice, various factors play a role in how best to apply TerraCottem: the size and number of trees to be planted, the chosen planting method (soft tree pit, structural soil, automated planting, rural tree planting, etc.) and sometimes even the experience of the planter. The available materials and personnel can also determine how the soil improver is processed.
That is why there are different planting methods.
We have clearly outlined them for you in our blog post “How do you plant a tree with TerraCottem?”.
There you will find step-by-step explanations of how TerraCottem is used in a variety of planting projects – from young saplings to large, mature trees.
Can I use TerraCottem for any type of soil?
TerraCottem is suitable for any type of soil.
However, the soil conditioner was specially developed to improve “challenging” soils. So, the poorer the soil, the sandier it is, the greater the effect of the product.
How long does TerraCottem remain active?
TerraCottem soil conditioners contain various components, each with a different duration of action:
- The hydroabsorbent polymers (water crystals or hydrogels) have been specially developed to last extra-long, at least 8 years.
- The tree-specific fertilisers (with a duration of up to 12 months) have been further balanced with a starter fertiliser and a synthetic nitrogen fertiliser.
- The humates are water-soluble and optimise fertiliser uptake, soil structure and microbial life.
- The growth stimulators remain active for one growing season — more than enough time for the plant to develop a healthy, strong root system.
But these polymers don’t just retain water — they also hold on to the nutrients you add later. Even after the TerraCottem fertilisers have been depleted following the first growing season, the need for additional fertiliser remains significantly lower. That’s because the nutrients you apply will be stored more efficiently in the soil and made available to the roots when needed.
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Stefaan De Smet - Green Officer for the City of Oudenaarde Recommended reading: "City of Oudenaarde: loyal user of TerraCottem since 30 years" |
Do you have a question we didn’t cover?
- Check our FAQ - the answer might be there.
- Still need help? Email our bioengineer, Davy, and we’ll get back to you.
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TerraCottem is often used when planting trees and shrubs, whether for reforestation, urban planting or private gardens, and gives your trees every chance to thrive.