Tree & Shrub Fertilization in Charlotte, Asheville, and Lake Norman, NC

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Professional Fertilization & Soil Care

Your trees and shrubs are a valuable, growing investment in your property, and their care should start from the ground up. This means giving them good soil structure and nutrition, two integral cornerstones of a thriving outdoor space. When trees suffer from nutrient deficiencies, they become vulnerable to various problems, including tip dieback, insect infestations, and diseases.

To maintain tree health and resilience, consider tree and shrub fertilization services in both fall and spring as part of your annual property maintenance routine. At Heartwood Tree Care, we're masters at fostering robust tree and plant growth. 

Reach out to our company, which has over four decades of experience, and let us give your trees and shrubs the essential nutrients they need to remain strong, stunning focal points of your yard. We've helped countless homes and commercial spaces over the years with their tree preservation, plant health care, and soil fertilization needs and we're eager to do the same for you.

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Soil Fertilization Services in Charlotte, Asheville, and Lake Norman Areas

We provide professional soil fertilization services from our dedicated locations in Charlotte, Asheville, & Lake Norman. Contact us today!

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Deep Root Fertilization

Deep root tree fertilization is the method we use to give the soil underneath your trees and shrubs the TLC it craves. It involves the use of slow-release nitrogen fertilizers injected directly into the root zone, allowing the soil to absorb nutrients most effectively. Our custom liquid fertilizer, “Arborplex,” is designed to meet the needs of our local soils and improve all-around soil health.

Arborplex provides the following three major plant nutrients to the soil:

Organic materials like black sea kelp, yucca extract, and black worm castings to improve soil texture and increase nutrient absorption.
Beneficial bacteria which naturally fix nitrogen and make other nutrients available while mycorrhizal fungi aid with plant nutrient and water uptake.
Commonly lacking essential macronutrients and micronutrients for trees living out of the natural nutrient cycle.
roots fertilization

Why Liquid Fertilizers Are Used Over Granular

Liquid fertilizers are frequently preferred for trees and shrubs due to their rapid absorption. Unlike a granular fertilizer, a liquid formulation provides immediate vital nourishment. This quick uptake is particularly advantageous for woody plants and trees showing signs of deficiency as well as ones during their critical growth periods. Additionally, a liquid slow-release fertilizer can be more evenly distributed around the root zone, ensuring uniform nutrient availability for the best tree and plant health possible.
Soil Decompaction

Soil Decompaction

Tree roots have a hard time developing in compacted soil. Loose soil with open pores allows trees to access the oxygen they need and holds water like a sponge. We use a high-powered air tool called an Air Spade to break up compacted soil. This allows us to “till” the soil in a way that is not damaging to structural roots. We then add organic composted material to the soil, which provides nutrients and aids in maintaining proper soil structure. This service is ideal for trees in areas that have been heavily disturbed by construction, vehicles, or heavy foot traffic. 

Vertical Mulching

Vertical mulching is an innovative technique designed to rejuvenate the root zones of trees, particularly those struggling with poor soil conditions or recovering from construction damage. This method addresses soil compaction and nutrient deficiency by creating a network of amendment-filled channels throughout the tree's root area.

The process begins by air-blasting holes into the soil surrounding the tree, effectively breaking up compacted layers. These newly formed cavities are then filled with a mixture of organic matter and soil amendments, creating pathways for air, water, and nutrients to reach the tree's root system more efficiently.

This approach is especially beneficial in areas plagued by poor drainage or heavily compacted soils as it creates lasting channels for moisture and nutrient penetration. By improving soil structure and increasing nutrient availability, vertical mulching stimulates fibrous root growth and enhances the tree's overall health. It's particularly effective for treating declining trees, prolonging the life of mature trees, and those near construction activities or other challenging environments.

Vertical Mulching
Radial Trenching

Radial Trenching

Radial trenching is an advanced arboricultural technique used to alleviate soil compaction and enhance nutrient availability in the root zone of trees. This method involves creating spoke-like channels in the soil around the tree using air excavation tools. These channels are then filled with a mixture of amendments and organic matter to promote healthier root growth.

Unlike general soil decompaction, which typically involves breaking up compacted soil across a broader area, radial trenching targets specific pathways extending outward from the tree trunk. This focused approach encourages deep root growth along these channels, allowing roots to extend farther from the trunk and between structural root leaders.

Radial trenching also differs from vertical mulching, which involves creating numerous small, vertical holes throughout the root zone and filling them with amendments. While vertical mulching provides localized benefits, radial trenching creates continuous trenches that offer more extensive pathways for root expansion and nutrient distribution.

The radial trenching technique is particularly beneficial in areas with poor drainage or heavily compacted soils, as it provides long-lasting channels for water infiltration, gas exchange, and root growth.

Common Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms in Trees and Shrubs

Nutrient deficiencies can significantly impact the health and appearance of trees and shrubs, often manifesting through visible symptoms in leaves, stems, and overall plant growth. Here is a breakdown of the most typical indicators:

  • Nitrogen Deficiency: Pale green to yellow leaves, stunted growth, and early leaf drop.
  • Phosphorus Deficiency: Dark green or purplish foliage, delayed or stunted growth, and reduced flower and fruit production.
  • Potassium Deficiency: Browning or yellowing leaf edges, weak stems, and increased frequent diseases.
  • Calcium Deficiency: Distorted leaf shapes, new leaves appearing crinkled, and slow root development.
  • Magnesium Deficiency: Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins), usually affecting older leaves first.
  • Iron Deficiency: Yellowing between the veins on young leaves, with veins remaining green, particularly in new growth.
  • Manganese Deficiency: Similar to iron deficiency with interveinal chlorosis on young leaves but often accompanied by dead spots on leaves.
  • Zinc Deficiency: Smaller leaves, rosetted growth patterns, and yellowing between veins on older leaves.
  • Copper Deficiency: Wilting tips of branches, with leaves potentially becoming dark and twisted.
  • Boron Deficiency: Stunted leaf growth, brittle leaves, and death of the growing points on branches.

Being able to spot these signs and reaching out to Heartwood Tree Care arborists right away, allows for proper diagnoses and treatment. Here are some of the typical telltale signs that your tree and plant roots are in dire need of a boost.


Soil Sampling
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I've used Heartwood for the past 7 years at our house. Each time they handle the entire situation with professionalism - and they are fast! This particular time, our tree was in a complicated spot wedged between our property and our neighbors with multiple structures surrounding it. And yet, they came in and got it done - had to move a lot of equipment in and around the yard, but took care of the yard in the process and cleaned up (per usual). Fantastic work and that's why we keep coming back to this crew year after year.
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Colin Novelli
22 October 2026
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The team at Heartwood is excellent, they were thorough and considerate throughout all of our interactions. Christine and Yona were both outstanding and I would absolutely recommend their services to anyone who may need them.
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Taylor Strange
9 October 2026
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I had Heartwood Tree Care remove 4 palm trees in my pool area. They were very adamant about making sure nothing go into the pool and covered the entire pool. They did a FANTATIC job, very professional, all the crew members were considerate and cleaned the area as if it was their own property. I have lots of trees and Heartwood Tree Care is my go to company . They did such a good job my neighbors called me to get the company that I used, THANK YOU CARLOS & HEARTWOOD CREW MEMBERS
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amber Glover
4 November 2025
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To my surprise, Heartwood's bid on the removal of a diseased pine tree was no higher than the best I received from little guy companies. Plus, Heartwood agreed to compost rather than just dump the chips. Everyone I dealt with there performed with competence and professionalism.The crew brought all the necessary equipment to complete the job efficiently, without damage to neighboring trees, and finished with a better cleanup than I imagined possible. Very happy!
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Michael Hopping
17 September 2025
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+0
Great company, great people. Heartwood Tree Care delivered a level of service we did not know existed anymore. For each step of the process to remove a very large, very leaning tree — from supplying an estimate to diligently returning to their exact place some items from the yard we did not think to move in advance — the entire crew was thoughtful, professional, and precise. We highly recommend them.
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Susan Wille
27 August 2025
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+1
Heartwood Tree Care is a Top shelf, excellent company. They have state of the art equipment, highly skilled, precision oriented, and friendly employees.
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Lesley Mullen
21 July 2025
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Heartwood tree has given us excellent service for our old trees - helping us to preserve the large old walnuts , pecans, cherries, magnolias, etc. They have been very informative with everything that has been done and not recommended unnecessary services. David has been amazing with his care of all our trees and plants - I can trust him (and Heartwood) to have the best care of our yard in their plans.
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Yvonne McCracken
11 July 2024
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Could not be more happy. They cleared out a few dead trees, chipped them and was so fun to watch. And they were very careful around my chickens.
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Blue Bactol
16 May 2024
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I reached out to Heartwood Tree Service because I quickly realized how overwhelmed I was getting with all the conflicting information online to care for my fruit trees and ensure they do well for years to come. One of them in particular is very special to me as it was planted as a memorial tree for my father that passed and it developed black knot fungus on it only a few years after planting. I received reassurance that it will be OK as I caught it early and was given many pointers on everything from pruning to fertilizer to pest and fungal control & prevention. Tommy was very kind and helpful for me and provided a lot of info that was very specific not just regarding different trees but also regarding our region and the different issues and temperature swings we have in Western NC. I am so thankful and highly recommend Heartwood to anyone that needs some help/guidance/maintenance done! Thank you so much!!
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Brett Frost
13 March 2024
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Twenty+ Stars! “Never have we ever” received more professional, talented, responsive, honest, friendly, responsible, reliable service, period. Tommy Masters responded immediately to our recent ice storm issues (we live in a challenging microclimate). He and his team are simply beyond super stars! The project was scheduled quickly, and the work of the team (Yona, Christine, Jordan, and Todd) was simply beyond words, just like Tommy. We remain in awe and will rely upon Heartwood for all of our future tree work, forever. We have already scheduled additional complex projects with Heartwood and simply cannot recommend the Heartwood team highly enough. And, most of them are certified arborists! ALL are extremely qualified and seasoned, experienced professionals. They are the real deal! Thank you for a job very, very well done!
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O K
21 January 2024
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I wanted to write a review about the folks at Heartwood. They are very responsive and professional. They showed up and marked all the trees to remove for the estimate. The time from the onsite visit to the estimate was fast and detailed. We'll be using them in the future for sure.
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Tom Curé ALC
20 June 2023
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We are SO glad we chose to go with Heartwood Tree Service. From our first meeting with Tommy, a person of integrity and honor, to the skill and quality of work performed by Yona and Christina, we couldn't be more pleased! My husband and I will heartily recommend.
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Elizabeth Maxwell
9 November 2022
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Andrew and team are true professionals.
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Michael White
20 September 2022
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Top notch from the roots up HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY
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Frank Brown
10 May 2022
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+0
I am so happy with the work this crew did today. They were on time, detailed, neat and personable. They listened to my needs and did exactly what I asked. This company employs true experts. I highly recommend them and will use them again! Thank you!
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Karen Vann
4 May 2022
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Had heartwood recommended to me from a friend. The entire process was very easy. From quote to payment. They came in on time and under budget. Would definitely use these guys again
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Michael Melear
15 April 2022
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What an extraordinary team. They were removing trees from the hillside behind my home yesterday and a dropped branch caused a large rock to skid and hit my vinyl siding. Yano promised to take care of it, but when he came back the same day with siding to fix it — I was blown away. That kind of responsiveness deserves recognition! A company that does seem to have their heart in what they do.
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Raina Scura
1 March 2022
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Tommy at Heartwood was great to work with. Got a quick and fair quote/consult, and they worked me into the queue to get my tree cut down within a couple weeks given there were dying branches over my roof. They were prompt, did great work, and I would absolutely use them again. I felt the price was fair and reasonable as well.
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Tristan Colonius
26 December 2020
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Kudos to Heartwood Tree Service, in Asheville,NC! They gave me a competitive quote and they know their stuff. The crew came in, completed the work I requested, and cleaned up before they. Left. I highly recommend them.
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Merry Stamper
24 September 2020
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Friendly and Professional staff that go out of their way to provide good services, at a good value.... I recommend them amd will use their services again
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CHRIS SMITH
10 September 2020
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Oh man, we had a tree go down across our driveway and we couldn’t get out. Having just driven into town, we needed groceries and were stuck! I spoke with Lisa (I think), she reached out to someone who was scheduled to be in the area and promised to call me if he couldn’t come. Within an hour, Tommy was here and removed most of the stump so we could get out. He gave us a quote, recommended we address some potential problems, and the crew came and was here and gone before 5pm the same day. Saved our butts and we’re so grateful!
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Morgen Stanzler
21 August 2020
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Had a wonderful experience with Heartwood Tree Service! The entire crew was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. I'm very happy with the work they did for us.
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Aimie Burns
22 April 2020
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We couldn't be happier with Heartwood Tree's professionalism, care and skill. Many many thanks to their AMAZING crew!
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Mary L
17 December 2019
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Thanks for saving our tree job well done!
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Irene Robinson
12 December 2019
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Heartwood came and evaluated our tree, we wanted to try to save it! Heartwood gave us expert advice and held our hand throughout the entire process. Great business I highly recommend Them!!
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Myrna Bergin
11 December 2019
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Great service provider, on-time respectful and delivered on budget!!
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Stacy Taylor
10 December 2019
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Thank you Heartwood for saving our tree, job well done!!
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Rafaela Cruz
9 December 2019
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Tommy Masters from Heartwood has done work three times at my house. He is exceptional: honest; meticulous; talented; an authentic conservationist. The whole team at Heartwood gets my unequivocal endorsement.
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Nancy Alenier
30 November 2019
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Excellent arborist & staff! These people do believe in saving trees! Very happy with their work, and their rates are reasonable.
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Jim Weideman
19 November 2019
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Yona and his crew did an outstanding job removing my old Bradford pear tree and pruning two other large trees in my front yard. Heartwood Tree Service is the BEST - highly recommend!
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Grateful One
5 November 2019

Book a Fertilization Service Today & Watch Your Trees Flourish!

Boost the health and vibrancy of your lawn with our top-of-the-line tree and shrub fertilization services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and give your outdoor space the nourishment it deserves. Your trees and shrubs will thank you with decades of beauty and strength.

tree with brown leave