Permatill

Here in the Raleigh area, we have very dense clay soil. While clay soil is nutrient-rich, it can be difficult to grow plants in because it has a tendency to be compacted. Compacted soil does not allow roots to grow properly and must be amended to allow air into the soil, thus allowing the roots to grow. One product we carry at Fairview, Permatill, not only helps with aeration but has many other benefits as well. This special product is one of our favorites and we highly recommend you use it every time you plant a new tree or shrub. In fact, one of our knowledgeable staff members, known as “Larry the Permatill Guy”, won’t plant anything without it! Stop by and see Larry in the nursery if you have any questions. Read on to learn more...

 

So, what exactly is Permatill? Simply put, Permatill is a non-toxic porous granular that provides permanent aeration for new and existing trees, shrubs, lawns, gardens and can be used to improve clay or compacted soil. Another great benefit of Permatill is that it naturally discourages voles without the use of harmful chemicals. Orchids, bonsai, bulb and perennial beds, aquatic plants (and water garden filtration) all benefit from the use of Permatill. And the best part, it is safe for pets and wildlife alike! Permatill is produced by firing a special slate in a rotary kiln with temperatures in excess of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. This creates a durable, lighter, non-toxic porous granular that does not degrade, compress or float away. Therefore, it does not need to be reapplied every year.

Improving Clay and Compacted Soils
Soil consists of three space-occupying components: about 50% solid particles, 25% water and 25% air, all of which are needed for proper root development. When soils are compacted, the soil composition is less balanced due to the change in the soil structure (the soil structure has more solid particles than moisture or air, for instance). When the soil particles are pressed together, there is less pore space in the soil and it becomes hard and too dense for cultivation and proper root development. The pores in Permatill act as tiny reservoirs, storing moisture and any available soluble nutrients which are easily released to the plant roots.

Applying Permatill
Application methods vary depending on what you are planting.

- For a new tree or shrub, always dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball, and since you are applying Permatill, two inches deeper. Doing so will allow sufficient space for a layer of Permatill under the root ball and for the roots to grow. Place a 2” layer of Permatill on the bottom of the planting hole before setting the root ball in the center. Once you have placed your plant in the hole, go back and add a 3” - 4” layer of Permatill around the root ball (along the side of the root ball) to ensure protection. Backfill the rest of the hole with a mix of native soil and organic matter.

- For existing plants, dig a moat around the plant just at the drip zone. The moat should be 10” - 12” deep, and 3” - 4” wide. Fill the moat with 100% Permatill.

- For bulbs, dig the planting hole 2” - 3” deeper than the bulb requires. Place a 2” - 3” layer of Permatill on the bottom of the planting hole and set the bulbs directly on the Permatill. Place another layer of Permatill on top of the bulb. Once the bulbs are covered, use a 50:50 blend of Permatill and existing soil to fill the hole to the soil surface.