Technician decision tree
Tree declining? Inspect canopy, root collar and site before anything else. This sequence prevents the "tree looks bad = fertilizer" reflex.
Root-zone problem obvious? (buried flare, waterlogging, grade issue)
Yes
Correct the root-zone / site issue first — Profile E protocol.
No
Proceed to soil assessment and testing.
Compaction high / infiltration poor?
Yes
Soil remediation protocol — Profile B.
No
Continue.
Organic matter low, disturbed site, no litter cycling?
Yes
Organic / humic / biological protocol — Profile D.
No
Continue.
Nutrient deficiency or pH issue indicated?
Yes
Species-specific targeted nutrition — Profile C.
No
Continue.
Soil relatively healthy?
Yes
Maintenance RootHealth program — Profile A.
No
Re-inspect; escalate to arborist review.
Never do this
Deep-root fertilization on a tree whose real limitation is a suffocated, compacted or buried root system. Fix the growing environment first, then feed.