Many tree owners are a bit mystified about the best way to care for trees, or maybe what trees need beyond sun and rain. Different types of trees need different types of care, but most all kinds flourish with correct fertilization. So how is fertilization done correctly?
Fertilization for a tree is similar to a vitamin boost for a human. It enhances overall health. Fertilization helps the tree ward off disease, it helps it to guard againt pests, and it gives it added strength in times when sunshine or rain is not at optimal levels. Trees in nature usually get the fertilization they need naturally. But trees planted in yards and kept as per your common HOA neighborhood rules probably will fail to get the advantages that come with the natural mulching which results from the breakdown of autumn leaves on the ground in winter. These trees are existing in a less-than-ideal environment, and fertilization is critical to make up the difference for these trees.
Fertilizers are made of two general component classes: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients, commonly referred to as macrominerals, are essentially nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In fact , the three numbers you'll see on any bag of fertilizer refers to these three main macronutrients. If you see a bag marked "30-20-10" it indicates that the fertilizer comprises 30% available nitrogen, 20% available phosphorus and 10% potassium, respectively. Fertilizer for fruit trees or blossoming trees will often require fertilizers that have higher concentrations of phosphorus and potassium, since these macronutirents are especially beneficial to roots and fruit production. Microminerals are trace elements, and different trace elements have different benefits for various varieties of trees. Microminerals include iron, copper, cobalt, chromium, and many others.
An ideal tree fertilizer schedule is set by the variety of tree, but most varieties that are indigenous in North American zones are best fertilized between October and March. During inactive months the tree focuses its development underground. The tree will take the nutriments of the fertilizer and use it for the overall health of the tree and for root development. Fertilizing in later spring and summer, however, has other benefits. During tree growth season fertilization can stimulate new growth of the tree. If you do decide to fertilize in the summertime, however , it's critical to choose a fertilizer that addresses the mineral needs of the tree and stay clear of high nitrogen fertilizers. The nitrogen will stimulate tree growth for sure, but the growth will lack the nutrient elements needed, and the tree will therefore be likelier to fail to thrive in winter.
The proper way to apply fertilizer? A good guideline is within the "drip line" circumference of the tree. That is to say, fertilize out to the breadth of the longest branches. The roots extend quite a bit farther than the branch spread, and while you aim to fertilize the entire root system, you want to make sure that the tree gets the nutriments rather than competing root systems.
Always consult with your local tree nursery professional for detailed information that addresses the specific variety of tree you want to treat and the best fertilizer available for the tree. And fertilize regularly, since a healthy tree is a gorgeous tree. Fertilize tree, watch it flourish, and enjoy it for years to come.
Fertilization for a tree is similar to a vitamin boost for a human. It enhances overall health. Fertilization helps the tree ward off disease, it helps it to guard againt pests, and it gives it added strength in times when sunshine or rain is not at optimal levels. Trees in nature usually get the fertilization they need naturally. But trees planted in yards and kept as per your common HOA neighborhood rules probably will fail to get the advantages that come with the natural mulching which results from the breakdown of autumn leaves on the ground in winter. These trees are existing in a less-than-ideal environment, and fertilization is critical to make up the difference for these trees.
Fertilizers are made of two general component classes: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients, commonly referred to as macrominerals, are essentially nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In fact , the three numbers you'll see on any bag of fertilizer refers to these three main macronutrients. If you see a bag marked "30-20-10" it indicates that the fertilizer comprises 30% available nitrogen, 20% available phosphorus and 10% potassium, respectively. Fertilizer for fruit trees or blossoming trees will often require fertilizers that have higher concentrations of phosphorus and potassium, since these macronutirents are especially beneficial to roots and fruit production. Microminerals are trace elements, and different trace elements have different benefits for various varieties of trees. Microminerals include iron, copper, cobalt, chromium, and many others.
An ideal tree fertilizer schedule is set by the variety of tree, but most varieties that are indigenous in North American zones are best fertilized between October and March. During inactive months the tree focuses its development underground. The tree will take the nutriments of the fertilizer and use it for the overall health of the tree and for root development. Fertilizing in later spring and summer, however, has other benefits. During tree growth season fertilization can stimulate new growth of the tree. If you do decide to fertilize in the summertime, however , it's critical to choose a fertilizer that addresses the mineral needs of the tree and stay clear of high nitrogen fertilizers. The nitrogen will stimulate tree growth for sure, but the growth will lack the nutrient elements needed, and the tree will therefore be likelier to fail to thrive in winter.
The proper way to apply fertilizer? A good guideline is within the "drip line" circumference of the tree. That is to say, fertilize out to the breadth of the longest branches. The roots extend quite a bit farther than the branch spread, and while you aim to fertilize the entire root system, you want to make sure that the tree gets the nutriments rather than competing root systems.
Always consult with your local tree nursery professional for detailed information that addresses the specific variety of tree you want to treat and the best fertilizer available for the tree. And fertilize regularly, since a healthy tree is a gorgeous tree. Fertilize tree, watch it flourish, and enjoy it for years to come.
About the Author:
Katherine Parker is the tree fertilizer informationm specialist for Southeast Texas Trees. Her task is to provide easy-to-use information about tree care and tree fertilizer schedule insight.
