Tree advice
The main reason to fertilize
trees and shrubs is to bolster their health
so they are better prepared to fight off
pests, disease, and environmental stresses.
While fertilizer can't solve all of a tree's
problems, it will go a long way to give
it a fighting chance.
Does My Tree Need Fertilizer?
Trees growing in their natural habitat
should have access to all of the minerals
they need to survive and grow. Anything
you can do to mimic that habitat can reduce
the need for fertilizer. This may include
letting leaves remain on the ground in the
fall instead of raking them up. Chances
are, though, that despite your best efforts,
the need for fertilizer will not be entirely
eliminated.
When Should I Fertilize My Tree?
A good time to fertilize trees in most
Northern temperate climates is from fall
to mid-spring. At these times the tree's
roots take the nutrients from the soil and
apply them to important health-promoting
functions such as root development and disease
resistance, rather than simply putting out
new growth.
During the growing season, fertilizing
can help a tree overcome mineral deficiencies
and fight off infections. If you are fertilizing
in mid- to late summer, avoid formulations
high in nitrogen as this will just promote
weak, new growth that may be easily damaged
in the winter.
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