What is the impact of unbalanced soil pH on trees?

Unbalanced soil pH can significantly affect tree health and growth, primarily because it influences the availability of nutrients in the soil. Trees require specific nutrients for optimal growth, and their accessibility is largely determined by the soil's pH level.

When the pH is too low (acidic) or too high (alkaline), certain nutrients become less available to the tree, leading to nutrient deficiencies. For instance, when the pH is excessively low, essential nutrients like phosphorus can become locked in the soil, rendering them unavailable for tree uptake. Conversely, high pH levels can result in excess amounts of certain nutrients, like calcium, which can lead to toxicity symptoms in trees.

As a result, trees may exhibit signs of nutrient deficiency, such as chlorosis (yellowing of leaves), stunted growth, or poor foliage development, and in some cases, toxicity symptoms may appear such as leaf burn or dieback. Therefore, the unbalanced soil pH does have a profound impact on trees, primarily through its effects on nutrient availability.