Prescription Organic Matter©

Amendments for Inadequate Urban Tree Soils

At Rainbow Treecare we understand that the nutritional needs of trees are species specific and change from infancy through maturity. Based on twenty years of University research, Rainbow Treecare has developed soil modifiers that improve the ability of roots to absorb water and nutrients at all stages of life.

Our specially designed formulas use native bacteria and fungi to promote the decomposition of soil organic matter. As these microbes consume organic matter they fortify the structure of the soil and increase its nutrient holding capacity. Tree roots are stimulated and overall tree health is enhanced. Specific organic matter rescriptions have been formulated to meet the root health needs of trees of any age or species, in any urban soil in the Twin City metropolitan area.

Why Use Prescription Organic Matter?

Urban soils are often compacted, low in oxygen, poorly drained, and low in organic matter.

Natural organic matter cycling is disrupted in most urban soils.
Soil nutrients in urban sites are difficult for the tree to utilize.
Environmentally friendly, organic matter is nature’s own fertilizer and soil conditioner.
Urban trees live an average of 1/4 as long and have 1/3 the stored energy of a tree growing in a natural forest area.

Benefits of Prescription Organic Matter	Increased	Decreased
Nutrient availability
Water retention
Soil compaction
Root to shoot ratio
Root health
Photosynthetic capability
Energy storage
Resistance to insects/ disease
Response to environmental stresses

Prescription Organic Matter

The term “prescription” means that our treatments are not all the same, but are based specifically on a tree’s needs. We assess many variables to determine which prescriptive treatment is most appropriate for each tree. The key variables are: 1) tree condition, 2) tree age, 3) soil fertility, and 4) soil compaction. Based upon these assessments we prescribe the appropriate Prescription Organic Matter© formula for

Young Tree Formula	Juvenile Tree Formula	Mature Tree Formula
Delivers a sustainable level of nutrients that reduce the need for conventional fertilizers. Provides a long-term solution to soil compaction. Enhances tree establishment and long-term sustainable growth.	Enhances the availability of water and soil nutrients to the tree. Encourages chlorophyll production resulting in darker green foliage. Promotes root growth and improves tree canopy and appearance.	Promotes fine root establishment and root absorption of water and nutrients. Increases the storage of sugars for energy. Maintains tree’s active tissue versus the promotion of new growth.

The long-term health and survival of young trees may be stressed by soil compaction, compromised root growth area, and limited access to soil nutrients.	The needs of a juvenile tree include a balanced root to shoot growth ratio and optimal nutritional and water availability.	As trees mature they may outgrow the area allocated to them. The focus needs to shift from above ground growth to root health and energy storage.