Everyone loves trees, so getting them the very best start at the time planting is a fantastic application for biochar. Biochar is proven to greatly increase tree survival rates when used appropriately.
Dig the planting hole and break up the soil in a circular area according to tree species instructions. Mix 10-15% by volume of biochar into the removed soil before using it to back-fill the planting.
Biochar is amazing but more is not always better. Please do not be tempted to add more than 20% biochar by volume as changes soil texture and can affect tree growth.
Practical biochar and biochar blend incorporation for tree pit backfill. This chart is 12.5% by volume. Based on our experience, achieving 10% to 15% by volume is idea in most application.
| Tree Container in Gallons | GoBiochar Premium Biochar in Gallons | Tree Blend Extras Azomite & Humate in Pounds |
| 5 | 3 | 0.5 |
| 7 | 4.5 | 1 |
| 10 | 6 | 1.3 |
| 15 | 10 | 2 |
| 25 | 17 | 3.5 |
| 45 | 30 | 6 |
| 65 | 45 | 9 |
| 100 | 65 | 14 |
TIPS & TRICKS:
- Installing wet biochar is ideal.
- Add your choice of nutrients (locally sourced compost, minerals, and mycorrhizal fungi, etc) at the time of planting for your tree species, particular soil type, and installation strategy.
When possible, use a biochar that has been co-composted to jump start the biology and mineralization. It is not required to use co-composted, only optimal. - When budget affords it, always incorporate ecto mycorrhizal fungi when available. Coat the roots generously. You want this on the roots, not in the soil. Optimal performance on the roots.
- Should you not have enough biochar to mix in the back-fill soil the next best option is to add a thin biochar layer (1/2″ to 3/4″) in the base of the entire planting hole. Then combine any extras into the backfill.
Maintenance and future proofing your trees! - Consider trench and vertical mulching practices to future proof for thriving trees in years to come. These practices do not require inoculated biochar, raw biochar is fine in most cases as they will charge up by the time the tree roots extend that far out.
- Follow up later with biochar under the mulch. Incorporate 3 lbs per 10 sq ft under the drip line and watch your trees thrive! No need to inoculate this biochar as it will charge up as the mulch above decomposes.
External resources:
Stockholm Tree Pit – Utilizes 6 parts gravel, 1 part compost, 1 part biochar in a structured soil practice.
Talking Trees with Bjorn Embren