Fertilizing your trees is an important part of ensuring your trees grow to their full potential. Fertilization is especially important if the soil around the trees does not have the essential nutrients that the trees require. In addition, fertilization can help the trees fight pests and diseases. However, there is a lot more to fertilizing your trees than heading to your local garden store, picking up a standard bag of fertilizer, and spreading it around. Here are a few best practices to ensure that you get the most out of your fertilizer and do not harm your trees.

Hydrate the Lawn Several Days Prior

If you have not had any recent rain, make sure to water the lawn several days before you plan to fertilize your trees. This moisture will ensure that the trees are able to better absorb the nutrients that you are providing them with. If you are unsure whether hydrating the lawn is needed, grab a screwdriver and stick it into the ground. If the screwdriver comes out dry when you bring it back up, then you will need to give the lawn a much-needed drink.

Spread the Fertilizer Evenly without Overdoing It

When you are applying fertilizer to the lawn, you will want to ensure that you are spreading it as evenly as you can. You will also want to avoid over-applying the fertilizer to the lawn. Overfertilization of the lawn can result in browning, burning, unhealthy growth, and rotting roots, and you don't want any of this when the ultimate goal is the beautiful, healthy growth of your trees.

Use the Right Type of Fertilizer

Fertilizers consist of a combination of nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium, and they are blended in an assortment of proportions based on the plant that the fertilizer is being used for. Therefore, it is important that a soil test is conducted and that you work with a professional to determine the best fertilizer for your trees. Each type of fertilizer—stake, pellet, and soil-injected—has its own unique benefits, but your trees will benefit from the fertilizer that is best for them. For instance, soil-injected fertilizer, or deep root fertilizer, gives a much more accurate nutrient dosing than a stake and pellet fertilizer, in addition to quicker absorption. Plus, soil-injected fertilizers will not be washed away during rainstorms.

Understand When You Should Fertilize

Ideally, the best time for fertilization is when the trees are dormant, which is during the spring and/or fall. This is when your trees really can use an extra boost to ensure they get through the winter or sprout up in the summer. If you are uncertain as to when you should fertilize, contact a professional.

For more information on fertilizing, reach out to a local tree service, such as Good Morrow.  

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