How do I know if my tree needs fertilizer?

Author: Alexandrine Quigley  |  Last update: Thursday, March 27, 2025

Trees and shrubs that need fertilization to stimulate more robust and vigorous growth include those exhibiting pale green, undersized leaves and reduced growth rates and those in declining condition (for example, dead branch tips, called dieback) resulting from insect attacks or disease problems.

Does my tree need fertilizer?

Older oak trees generally need fertilization about once a year. Maple trees usually tell you if they need to be fertilized. The rule of thumb is that if they grow about 6 inches in a year, the soil is good, but if the growth is less than 2 inches, it's time to fertilize.

How do I know if I need fertilizer?

The best method for assessing nutrient availability in your garden is to do a soil test. A basic soil test from the University of Minnesota's Soil Testing Laboratory will give a soil texture estimate, organic matter content (used to estimate nitrogen availability), phosphorus, potassium, pH and lime requirement.

Can I just sprinkle fertilizer on top of soil?

A: DO NOT SPRINKLE the granules directly onto the soil!!!. It will burn and kill your surface roots. Use as directed or buy a sprinkle alternative.

Can you give a tree too much fertilizer?

When applying fertilizer, always read and follow all label directions carefully - too much fertilization can permanently damage trees and plants. Excess fertilizer alters the soil by creating too high of a salt concentration, and this can hurt beneficial soil microorganisms.

Tree Fertilizer: Which Fertilizer is Right for Your Tree?

Can fertilizer save a dying tree?

Fertilizers can quickly save your trees from dying. However, not applying them properly will damage your trees more. You should also know the right types of fertilizers to apply. Organic fertilizers are better than artificial ones.

Can Miracle-Gro be used on trees?

If you have a variety of trees and shrubs in your garden, you can use an all-purpose plant food like Miracle-Gro® Shake n Feed® Flowering Trees & Shrubs Continuous Release Plant Food which will feed for up to 3 months.

When should you not apply fertilizer?

If you're not supposed to fertilize during heavy rains, you're also not supposed to fertilize on scorching days. During these days, lawns tend to lose their ability to retain moisture. When this happens, your lawn becomes drier and less able to absorb nutrients.

Should I water plants after fertilizing?

You should water granular fertilizer immediately after it is applied to your plants. Granular fertilizer needs the help of water for it to activate, so it will have no effect on your garden if you forget to water after adding it. For liquid fertilizer, you should wait longer before watering your plants.

What are the symptoms of lack of fertilizer?

Nutrient deficiency symptoms occur as yellowing of leaves, interveinal yellowing of leaves, shortened internodes, or abnormal coloration such as red, purple, or bronze leaves. These symptoms appear on different plant parts as a result of nutrient mobility in the plant.

Should you water after applying fertilizer?

It depends on the fertilizer. Some lawn foods perform better when you water them in right after applying, while others—such as some weed-and-feed products—need to be watered a day or two after fertilizing. It all comes down to this: Check the product directions on the bag—they'll tell you when to water.

What is the best homemade fertilizer?

Five Affordable and Easy DIY Organic Fertilizers You Can Find Right In Your Home
  • Eggshells. Save your eggshells people, I cannot stress this enough. ...
  • Rice Water. If you aren't washing your rice before you cook it, you should really try it...and then save the water for your house plants! ...
  • Coffee. ...
  • Potato Water. ...
  • Banana Peels.

What is the best tree fertilizer?

5 Popular Tree and Shrub Fertilizers
  • Jobe's Tree And Shrubs Fertilizer Spikes 15-3-3. These sticks release fertilizer slowly. ...
  • Jobe's Tree And Shrubs Fertilizer Spikes 16-4-4. ...
  • Miracle-Gro Tree And Shrub Plant Food Spikes. ...
  • Espoma Tree-Tone Organic Tree Fertilizer 6-3-2. ...
  • Osmocote Smart-Release Tree & Plant Food 15-9-12.

How long does it take for a tree to absorb fertilizer?

In general, with good plant health care, it takes around four to six weeks for fertilizer to work on trees. That is because it takes a while for the fertilizer to be absorbed by the tree's roots and for the nutrients to spread throughout the rest of the tree.

Should I fertilize a sick tree?

Treating a Sick Tree

If your tree shows signs of illness, you want to avoid putting fertilizer near the root zone and using pesticides. Additionally, you should avoid over-mulching and overwatering. Proper pruning practices should also be done, and exposed roots should be hand trimmed.

What month is best for fertilizer?

Timing: Apply fall lawn fertilizer once between August and November, right before winter hits, six to eight weeks after the summer feeding.

When to fertilize trees?

For all trees and shrubs.

If needed, the best time to fertilize is late April or early May, or late fall once plants are dormant. The recommended fertilizer should be spread evenly across the soil surface.

What should you not mix fertilizer with?

In order to prevent chemical interaction and corresponding precipitation between fertilizers, it's important to use the right combination of fertilizers. Neither phosphoric nor sulphatic fertilizers should be mixed with calcium or magnesium containing fertilizers in the same tank.

What to feed a tree?

Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers are best for woody plants, with one-third to one-half of the nitrogen in a water-insoluble, slowly available or slow-release form. Shrubs and trees absorb fertilizer during their active growth period: from spring, when growth begins, to late summer and early fall.

Why not to use Miracle-Gro?

Miracle-Gro actually stresses your plants out and makes them more susceptible to pests and disease. Miracle-Gro contributes to air pollution. Miracle-Gro can actually make your plants less productive and less healthy. Miracle-Gro is harmful to human health.

How to nurse a tree back to health?

How to Save a Dying Tree
  1. Identify the Issue.
  2. Properly Prune.
  3. Give Your Tree the Right Amount of Water.
  4. Fertilize to Add Nutrients.
  5. Spread Mulch Around Your Tree.

What does a sick tree look like?

Peeling or loose bark or cracks in the tree around the tree's root collar. Swelling, soft or decaying wood, or small holes in the tree trunk. Dead, dying, or drooping branches in the canopy. Wilting, discolored, or damaged leaves.

Should I water trees after fertilizing?

A deep, slow, soaking watering just after you fertilize will insure that the nutrients get to the roots. Doing it just before a good rain is even better. Whatever you use should be applied once or twice a year.

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