Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) for Healthier Trees in Perth

Healthy trees begin below the ground.

At Screening Trees WA, we focus heavily on establishing strong, biologically active root systems. One of the ways we support root development is through the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, commonly known as AMF.

These microscopic beneficial fungi form a natural partnership with the roots of many plant species, helping the plant explore a much greater volume of soil for nutrients and moisture.

What Are Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi?

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are naturally occurring soil fungi that form a mutually beneficial relationship with compatible plant roots.

The fungi colonise parts of the root system and produce extremely fine, thread-like structures called hyphae. These hyphae extend out from the roots and travel through tiny spaces in the soil that ordinary roots and root hairs may be unable to reach.

Inside the root, AMF form microscopic, tree-like structures called arbuscules. These structures create an exchange point between the plant and the fungus:

• The plant supplies the fungi with sugars produced through photosynthesis.
• The fungi help deliver water and soil nutrients back to the plant.

The result is a much larger and more efficient underground nutrient-gathering network. MF Can Be Valuable in Perth

Many Perth gardens are established in sandy soils with naturally low fertility, limited nutrient-retention capacity and poor water-holding ability. Nutrients can also move quickly through sandy soil before plant roots have an opportunity to absorb them. ot turn poor sand into quality soil, and they are not a replacement for compost, suitable soil amendments, correct irrigation or responsible fertilising.

However, when combined with good soil preparation, AMF can help compatible plants make more effective use of the moisture and nutrients available within the root zone.

Potential Benefits of AMF

A Larger Effective Root Network

The fine fungal hyphae extend beyond the plant’s normal root zone, increasing the volume of soil that can be explored for nutrients and moisture.

Rather than relying only on the physical roots, the plant gains access to a much larger underground network.

Improved Nutrient Uptake

AMF are particularly associated with improved access to phosphorus, which does not move freely through many soils.

They may also assist with the uptake of nutrients such as nitrogen, zinc, copper and other trace elements, depending on the plant species, soil conditions and nutrient availability. er Use of Available Moisture

Because fungal hyphae are much finer than plant roots, they can explore small soil pores and areas beyond the immediate root zone.

Research has found that AMF can improve water uptake and help some plants cope more effectively with periods of moisture stress. The response varies according to the plant, fungal species, soil and growing conditions. oved Establishment and Resilience

A healthy, active root system gives a newly planted tree a stronger foundation.

Where the plant and fungi are compatible, AMF may support:

• Faster root-zone development
• More efficient nutrient use
• Improved transplant establishment
• Better tolerance of environmental stress
• Stronger long-term plant performance

These benefits are most likely when AMF are used as part of a complete soil-health and tree-establishment program.

Greater Fertiliser Efficiency

AMF may help plants access nutrients that would otherwise remain outside the reach of their roots.

This can improve nutrient-use efficiency and may reduce unnecessary fertiliser applications. However, AMF do not completely replace fertiliser, and excessive applications of readily available phosphorus may reduce the plant’s incentive to maintain the fungal relationship. creening Trees WA Uses AMF

At Screening Trees WA, we understand that the long-term health of a tree depends heavily on the condition of its root system.

For compatible tree species, we introduce AMF into the growing media and root zone while the trees are being developed in our nursery. This gives the fungi an opportunity to establish close contact with living roots before the tree reaches your property.

AMF forms one part of our broader approach to root and soil health, which may also include:

• High-quality compost and organic matter
• Carbon-rich soil amendments
• Balanced plant nutrition
• Appropriate watering and drainage
• Correct planting techniques
• Mulching and ongoing soil protection

Our goal is not simply to grow an attractive tree above the ground. We aim to develop a healthy root system that gives the tree the best possible opportunity to establish successfully after planting.

Does AMF Work With Every Tree?

Not every plant forms the same type of mycorrhizal relationship.

Many plant species are compatible with AMF, while some trees associate with different groups of beneficial fungi. Other plants may receive little or no benefit from mycorrhizal inoculation.

For this reason, the type of inoculant and the way it is used should be appropriate for the particular tree species and growing environment.

Is AMF a Fertiliser?

No. AMF are living beneficial fungi, not fertiliser.

They help compatible plants explore the soil and use available resources more efficiently, but they cannot provide nutrients that are completely absent from the soil.

AMF should be used alongside:

• Proper soil preparation
• Quality organic matter
• Appropriate fertilisation
• Reliable establishment watering
• Suitable drainage
• Correct planting and aftercare

Does AMF Mean Trees Need Less Water?

AMF may help a compatible plant use available soil moisture more effectively, but it does not make a newly planted tree drought-proof.

Every newly installed tree still requires consistent, deep watering while its root system becomes established. This is especially important during Perth’s hot and dry summer conditions.

A Better Start Below the Ground

A tree can only perform as well as the root system and soil supporting it.

By combining beneficial soil biology with quality compost, considered nutrition and professional planting practices, Screening Trees WA gives each compatible tree a stronger foundation for establishment and long-term growth.

Planning a new screen, hedge or feature-tree installation?

Speak with Screening Trees WA about selecting suitable trees, preparing your soil and creating the right conditions for successful establishment.

Learn More About Mycorrhizal Fungi

For readers interested in exploring the science behind mycorrhizal fungi, the following independent educational resources provide further information:

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Biology, Ecology and Benefits of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
• Mycorrhizal Associations: An Australian educational resource developed with support from the University of Western Australia