3 Important Things To Consider When Choosing Tree Fertilizer
Applying fertilizer is one of the easiest ways to improve the health of trees on your property. But applying the wrong kind of fertilizer or applying it in the wrong way means you won't be able to enjoy the results you want. Take a look below at three of the most important things you should consider when picking out tree fertilizer.
Nutrients
If the fertilizer you choose to apply doesn't have the nutrients that plants and trees thrive on, then the fertilizer is likely to be a waste of time and money with very few beneficial effects. Look for a fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These three things will provide the proteins your tree needs to grow taller and stronger, as well as boost photosynthesis. These nutrients will also increase the chances that the tree survives more difficult times marked by drought and disease.
Application
Even if a particular fertilizer has all of the above nutrients, that does not necessarily mean it is the best fit for your tree. You will also need to consider how the fertilizer is meant to be applied. Fertilizer spikes, for example, are one of the most convenient ways of delivering nutrients to a tree. But if you place the spikes around a younger tree, they may damage the tree's roots, which is a risk you certainly don't want to take. In these cases, a solid (rather than liquid), slow-release fertilizer is likely the better option.
Amount
Finally, you'll want to consider the amount of fertilizer that is necessary for the job at hand. If you are only planting one or two new trees, then you will want to be conservative with the amount of fertilizer that you use. Just one or two handfuls should be sufficient. On the other hand, if you are looking to fertilize a mature tree, then you will want enough fertilizer to cover (at the very least) an area of ground with the same diameter as the tree's canopy. Regardless, you won't need to buy too much at any given time unless you are looking to fertilize several large trees. Fertilizing once at the beginning of spring and then once again at the beginning of fall should be enough to give your trees the advantage they need.
If you have carefully considered the nutrients a fertilizer includes, as well as how you'll apply it and how much you'll need, you'll begin to see results in no time.
Contact a professional to learn more about tree fertilizer.
