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Other soil contaminants

Bring a soil scientist to the site if you have reason to believe that the planting site contains contaminants such as petroleum waste products, heavy metals, or other potentially hazardous residues. Not only could these cause poor plant growth, they could become potentially dangerous to people.

If soil is mixed with construction-type materials such as bricks, concrete or other debris consider replacing it, or sift out the debris. Concrete based debris can increase soil pH and it takes up valuable space in the soil. Roots can not penetrate debris, they need soil to grow in.