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Tree Fertilizer: Helping Out Nature
If youve ever wandered or driven through a forest, with trees so thick you cant see the sky, it might be hard to imagine a tree needing help to grow. But a good program of fertilization, with a high quality tree fertilizer is important to maintain the beauty and protection of the trees in your own landscape.
Why do I Need a Tree Fertilizer?
In natural environments, trees receive their nutrients from decomposing leaves and other plant material. In residential yards, there is rarely an opportunity for Mother Earths original tree fertilizer to be created. Therefore, it is necessary to add needed nutrients to the soil periodically. Additionally, ornamental trees, especially flowering ones, frequently need more or different nutrients than are available naturally in order to flourish.
What Should I Look for in a Fertilizer?
Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are the three most important nutrients for plants of all kinds, including trees. The amount of each nutrient is indicated on the package by three numbers, such as 10-10-10, or 10-30-20.
Tree fertilizer may be labeled for use on specific trees, so you may see a match for your tree. Otherwise, look for a general descriptive match, such as evergreen or flowering, or look for a tree fertilizer that has a higher first number, such as 30-8-8.
When Should I Fertilize?
Trees purchased in a nursery have probably been well fertilized, so there is usually no need to add fertilizer as you plant them or for about the first year. After that, tree fertilizer should be applied according to directions on the package of the tree fertilizer you choose. There are so many varieties of fertilizer, it is impossible to give one all purpose direction for when and how to fertilize, so be sure to pay close attention to package directions.
How Much Fertilizer Should I Use?
Trees can be very tricky to fertilize, because tree sizes vary so much and it can be hard to accurately estimate the amount of tree fertilizer to apply. Over fertilizing can damage the tree, and under fertilizing can leave it sickly with yellowed leaves.
So in addition to estimating the size of the tree in accordance with the directions on your package of tree fertilizer, it is critical to pay attention to the health of the tree so you can spot symptoms that may indicate you are over or under feeding it. If you see these signs, adjust your feeding accordingly, or call in an expert to assess your situation. |