Which practice helps improve soil aeration around trees?

Aeration is a vital practice for enhancing soil aeration around trees. This process involves perforating the soil with holes or using other techniques to alleviate compaction, allowing air, water, and nutrients to more easily penetrate the root zone. When soil is compacted, it restricts the movement of air and limits root growth, which can ultimately affect the health of the tree. By aerating the soil, you create space for essential gases to exchange and improve the overall soil structure, leading to healthier, more robust trees.

While the other practices have their benefits—fertilizing contributes nutrients, mulching helps retain moisture and temperature regulation, and watering ensures trees receive adequate hydration—they do not directly address the issue of soil compaction. Therefore, aeration specifically targets and improves airflow in the soil, making it the most effective choice for enhancing soil aeration around trees.