If you’re new to the world of tree fertilisation, it can be confusing. What type of fertiliser is best suited to your trees? When should I fertilise? Can I over-fertilise and do more damage than good?
Here we take a look at why you should consider fertilising your tree as well as fertilisation do’s and don’ts.
Why Fertilise?
The reason to fertilise trees is to help replace nutrients and minerals that may be missing from the soil. Fertilisation also contributes to the overall health, strength and vitality of a tree, supports growth and a healthy root system. Young trees especially, generally require fertilisation to properly establish root systems and grow. When a tree has sufficient nutrients and minerals it also helps protect the tree from pests and disease and helps it heal from injury and sickness. A regularly fertilised tree is also more likely to be more resistant to drought and extreme temperatures.
When To Fertilise
When trees are suffering from nutrient deficiencies, they will show tell-tale signs. You may notice signs such as:
- Yellowing or discoloured leaves
- Loss of leaves
- Stunted or unusual growth patterns
- Presence of pests
- Cracked, peeling or discoloured bark
- Increase in deadwood
You may wish to a do a soil test which is easily done with a soil testing kit. The aim here is to provide insights about the nutrient content, PH levels and overall condition of your soil so you can make a more informed choice about the fertiliser you should purchase.
How To Fertilise
Fertilisers are essentially nutrient sources that can come in the form of a liquid, grain or pellet. The nutrients contained in the fertiliser dissolve in water and are taken up by the tree’s roots. Fertilisers can be classified as synthetic or organic depending on how and what they are made of. Synthetic fertilisers are made from inorganic, chemical sources, where organic fertilisers are made from natural matter. Synthetic fertilisers generally work faster than organic options, however they don’t have the long-term benefits for soil and tree health.
Different types of trees will have different needs. Knowing the correct type of fertiliser to use as well as the right amount to apply, can be difficult but it’s essential to get right. Using the wrong fertiliser or over-fertilising can damage the tree and put it at risk.
Make sure you use a fertiliser specifically designed for trees, not for grass, as doing so can damage the tree.
Slow-release fertilisers are a good choice to use around the root zone (the soil around the base), of the tree. These fertilisers gradually deliver nutrients which can help reduce the risk of burning the tree’s roots and give the tree the chance to properly absorb the nutrients. They can also help lessen leaching that occurs when water flows through the soil. Aim to fertilise twice a year if your trees are prone to stress, sickness or disease from nutrient deficiency. Fertilising prior to summer and winter will help your tree through temperature extremes.
If you have over-fertilised, you will need to act quickly to prevent the possible damage. Firstly, remove as much fertiliser as possible from the tree’s base, then water regularly and deeply to dilute the delivery of nutrients.
Get Professional Help
To give your trees the very best care and take the guess work out of tree fertilisation, ask your local, trusted Arborist for help. They will identify the tree species, assess the health of the tree and make a recommendation about how to best fertilise it and what to use, as well as give advice about ongoing tree care and maintenance that may be required. Easy!
Call Aussie Tree Solutions for a free quote on our tree fertilisation and maintenance services. We have been taking care of South-East Queensland trees for over forty years and offer a full range of professional tree care services. Whether it’s our Consulting Arborist service, expert tree pruning, stump grinding or tree removals, we’ve got the solution to all of your tree care problems!