Tree Fertilizer: Which Fertilizer is Right for Your Tree?
Landscape soil needs fertilization because it does not have the proper nutrients naturally available like forest soil. Learn how to properly select a tree fertilizer and how it helps the overall health and growth of your landscape trees. RJ Laverne, Davey Tree Service expert and ISA Certified Arborist, will inform you about tree fertilization and its importance. Most of us don’t live in a forest setting. Forest trees thrive without the addition of fertilizer because the soils are rich in humus, replenished by decaying tree leaves and debris, which return nutrients to the soil. The presence of this organic matter helps forest trees thrive. In contrast, the urban landscape is typically harsher. Lawns are low in humus and fertility, and leaves and other debris are removed. This interrupts nature’s recycling program for nutrients and prevents the accumulation of organic matter. How to select a tree fertilizer: • Pay attention to the three numbers on the fertilizer bag-The first number indicates the percentage of nitrogen, the second is the percentage of phosphorus and, the third is the percentage of potassium. • The best make-up is no different than the natural forest setting (tree fertilizer 30-10-7). • There are many fertilizers out there. Be sure to select one with a slow release rate. This type of fertilizer feeds the tree throughout the growing season and allows the most sensitive trees (drought stressed) to be fertilized. Applying the tree fertilizer can be complex. Contact your local professionally trained arborist for assistance or to answer any questions along the way by visiting our website at http://www.davey.com/residential-tree-services/.
