Water with high calcium content.

[edro]

My city water seems to have a high calcium content.
Most of my surface soil, roots and bark get calcium deposits on them after a few months of watering.
I water with rain water every now and then to help flush it away, but once it is encrusted, it is tough to remove.

1. Will this affect plant health over time? (It doesn't appear to)
2. Is there a good way to remove it without hurting the roots or bark?

I am thinking about getting a rain barrel and using rain water as much as possible, but I hear that roof runoff can be worse than tap water. I guess I could test it on a few trees first.

Thank you!

 

[donkey]

I don't know if it will do your trees harm but they won't get osteoperosis in later life as for cleaning your trees i use a toothbrush (usually without toothpaste (esp if for removing calcium)).

 

[jk_lewis]

1. Will this affect plant health over time? (It doesn't appear to)

No.

2. Is there a good way to remove it without hurting the roots or bark?

That toothbrush with a bit of vinegar will take it off -- and before someone gets all tied in knots, no it WON'T hurt the tree so long as you don't pour it over the roots.

But you can prevent a lot of it, by putting a tablespoon of vinegar in a gallon of water, then watering with a watering can and trying not to get it on the leaves.