Soil affects tree health more than most homeowners realize. In Marietta, Georgia, the soil is a mix of clay, sand, and loam. Each type drains water differently and holds nutrients in different ways. Knowing your soil helps you choose the right trees and care for them the right way.
Luis Perez, owner of Vilchis Tree Services Pro of Marietta, says, “We work on trees all over the city. Soil makes a big difference. We see problems when trees sit in poor soil for too long without help.”
Common Soil Types in Marietta
According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Marietta’s most common soil is Cecil sandy loam. It has a top layer of sandy loam and a deep red clay layer underneath.
1. Clay Soil
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Holds water too long
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Gets compacted easily
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Can suffocate roots in heavy rain
Luis says: “In West Marietta, we see lots of compacted clay. It makes roots grow close to the surface, which weakens trees.”
2. Sandy Soil
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Drains fast
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Lacks nutrients
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Needs more frequent watering
Sandy patches show up in East Marietta and near construction sites. Without support, young trees struggle in this soil.
3. Loamy Soil
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Holds moisture and nutrients well
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Best for most tree types
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Found in older, shaded neighborhoods
Areas like Whitlock Heights and Indian Hills often have healthy loam under grass and mulch.
How Soil Affects Tree Health
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Poor drainage leads to root rot.
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Compacted soil limits oxygen and water flow.
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Low nutrients slow tree growth and reduce leaf color.
Luis says, “Some trees look fine up top but have stressed roots. Soil is often the reason. We test it when problems keep coming back.”
What You Can Do
1. Check Soil Drainage
Dig a small hole, fill it with water, and see how long it takes to drain. More than 2 hours = poor drainage.
2. Add Organic Matter
Use mulch or compost to improve soil texture and feed roots.
3. Avoid Heavy Equipment Near Roots
Compacted soil from mowers or cars harms root systems over time.
4. Choose the Right Tree for the Soil
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Clay soil: Willow oak, red maple
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Sandy soil: Loblolly pine, Eastern red cedar
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Loam soil: Dogwood, magnolia, sugar maple
Luis adds, “We help homeowners pick the right tree. If it matches the soil, it grows stronger and lasts longer.”
When to Call a Pro
If your tree leans, shows dead limbs, or has yellow leaves, the issue could be below ground. A trained crew can check roots, inspect soil, and suggest the best fix.
Luis says, “Don’t wait for the tree to fall. We can fix soil issues early and keep your yard safe.”
Let’s Keep Marietta’s Trees Healthy
Vilchis Tree Services Pro of Marietta trims, removes, and cares for trees based on soil, location, and tree type. We help homeowners protect their trees from the ground up.
???? Call today for a free quote or soil check.