When winter is over, and the snow has passed, fertilization can be a boon to your trees, especially if the surrounding soil lacks essential nutrients. Fertilization also helps trees ward off diseases and pests.
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But fertilizing is more than just picking up a bag at the garden store and sprinkling it around. There are best practices to not only get the most benefit from it but prevent harm to your trees.
Follow these four tips for the best fertilization practices:
Water Your Lawn A Few Days Before Fertilizing
If needed, water your lawn a few days before you fertilize your trees. Water will help your trees be better able to absorb the nutrients it needs from the fertilizer. To test if the water is needed, stick a screwdriver into the ground. If it comes out dry, water is required.
Spread Evenly & Don’t Overdo It
When applying fertilizer, it is best to spread it as evenly as possible and avoid over-applying. Over-application can lead to uneven dosing and overfertilization. In turn, overfertilization can lead to unhealthy growth, burning, browning, and rotting roots.
Use The Right Kind Of Fertilizer
Fertilizers utilize a combination of nutrients, including:
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
These elements are blended in different proportions based on the needs of the plant in question. Conduct a soil test and contact a professional to prescribe the right fertilizer and apply it for you.
Pellet, stake, and soil-injected fertilizers all have their benefits, but using the right fertilizer for your needs will go a long way in benefiting your trees. For example, deep root fertilization allows for a more accurate dosing than pellet and stake fertilizers, quicker absorption, and won’t get washed away by rain.
Know When To Fertilize
The best time to fertilize your trees is in the spring or fall when they are dormant. These times are when trees need that extra boost to get through the winter and recover. If you are not sure when you should fertilize your trees, or if they even need it, contact an ISA-certified arborist at Hansen’s for your hassle-free estimate.
We will help you find the right fertilizer for your needs and help you understand the best treatment option for your trees.