Why should I fertilize my trees?

A tree needs essential nutrients to survive.  Often, the soil in your yard is deficient in nutrients causing a tree to become stressed.  Fertilizer is used to prevent nutrient deficiencies in trees as well as to cure an already distressed tree.  Fertilize to improve tree vigor and beauty.  You can expect to see a better-looking tree, and your tree will live longer as well.

Why don’t forest trees need to be fertilized?

In general, nutrients are in less abundance in a landscape environment as compared to the nutrient rich soil of the forest floor.

Trees in the forest are living in a natural environment.  Leaves, branches, and entire trees fall to the forest floor and decompose.  This is a continual process. Decomposed organic matter is rich in nutrients.  As a result, there is a rich layer of humus occurring naturally on the forest floor providing all the nutrients a tree needs to be healthy.  

How are the trees in my yard in Cincinnati different from forest trees?

Trees in your yard are living in a foreign environment.  Tree roots compete with grass roots for nutrients in the soil.  In general, nutrients are in less abundance in a landscape environment as compared to the nutrient rich soil of the forest floor.  Roots will often try to reach out further to obtain the nutrients they need. In your yard, the soil is often compacted restricting root growth.  Also, obstacles such as buildings, pools, paving, and walls impede root growth thus reducing nutrient availability for tree roots.

Will fertilizer applied to the lawn feed tree roots?

Lawn fertilizer will not filter down to feed tree roots.  To fertilize tree roots it is important to probe beneath the roots of the lawn.  A deep liquid root feeding is necessary to effectively fertilize tree roots.

What’s involved in deep liquid root fertilization?

A deep liquid root feeding is necessary to effectively fertilize tree roots.

The soil is probed and liquid fertilizer is injected at high pressure into the tree’s root zone.  This process also helps to break up compacted soil thus serving to aerate the soil creating greater soil pore space.  More oxygen is delivered to the tree roots. The entire root zone out to the drip line and further is fertilized.  Below the surface, absorption roots easily take up this readily available fertilizer.  Deep liquid root fertilization helps to build a tree’s root system.

What kind of fertilizer should I use?

The fertilizer used to feed your trees will contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as well as several micro-elements. Some common micro-elements needed by trees include iron and magnesium.  A combination mix of quick and slow release nitrogen fertilizer is required for maximum absorption into the root zone. 

When should I fertilize my trees?

Trees should be fertilized before symptoms of malnutrition or disease are visible.  Maturity, location, condition, and species should also be taken into consideration.

A Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc. arborist can offer a diagnosis and recommend the best time to fertilize.  Properly cared for trees receiving regular applications of nutrients live longer and look better.

Contact our certified Cincinnati arborists today.  Call (513) 351-6100 or complete our free estimate form and we will evaluate your trees and recommend a treatment plan.