Most landscape trees do not need fertilizer. It’s better to focus on watering and mulching to help your trees grow. Instead of chemical fertilizers, consider spreading a thin layer of compost on the soil each year to improve soil health and add nutrients. Compost can be added underneath mulch.
If you think your soil might be missing important nutrients, have it tested before applying fertilizer.
If a soil test reveals the need for fertilizer, follow these principles:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying fertilizer. Too much can harm or kill the tree.
- Don’t fertilize right after planting. Give the tree time to adjust before applying any fertilizer.
- Fertilizers need moisture to work, so water the area before applying fertilizer and keep watering regularly while the fertilizer is active.
Some fertilizers have broadleaf herbicides, like those in “Weed and Feed” products. Since trees are broadleaf plants, using these herbicides can cause leaf discoloration, curling, burning, branch dieback, or even kill the tree.
To avoid the need for fertilizer, plant trees that are adapted to the planting site’s soil. Native trees are well adapted to native soils.
Article source and photo credit: Texas A&M Forest Service
