If you are wondering if you need to use tree fertilizer, read some of the common issues and instances where you should! Tree Fertilizer for Distressed Trees The branches, twigs and leaves that fall around them in the forest would normally be a recycled form of tree fertilizer, but are cleaned up by homeowners and groundskeepers. Using these products when they are not needed could lead to an increase in surface water through runoff during rainstorms and snow melt.Trees in the forest don’t need fertilizing, so why do the trees around your home? Trees in our communities are usually competing with grass and unnatural vegetation for nutrients. Wait a few years after planting to do much pruning except to remove double leaders or broken branches.Īnd again, know that research has shown there is little to no effect to using fertilizer or a root starter to soil at planting.
The tree needs all of the stored food in the branches as well as green leafy tissue produced next season to aid establishment. Once located, only then dig the planting hole just deep enough so the bottom of the root ball rests on undisturbed soil, and after backfilling the hole with soil, the trunk or root flare will still be visible just above the soil surface.Īt planting, avoid pruning. Some soil may need to be scraped away to locate the trunk taper or where the first lateral root grows off the trunk. Before digging the hole, locate the trunk taper on the trunk. When planting trees, avoid the common mistake of planting too deep. Make sure the mulch layer is no deeper than a few inches and not piled against the tree trunk. Practices that will encourage quicker establishment of young trees includes loose soil to the sides of the planting hole, but not below the root ball proper irrigation that includes keeping the soil moist, not saturated, 8 to 12 inches deep within the root ball and outside of the root ball.Īlso, using a mulch ring of at least four feet and preferably six to eight feet in diameter around the tree and over the planting hole. Trees to avoid planting during fall are redbud, Magnolia, birch, willows, scarlet oak and black oak. Some trees are not recommended for fall planting because they do not produce much root growth in fall. In spring, soils are colder and often too wet which limits oxygen needed for root growth.įaster root growth in fall, along with subsequent root growth in spring, helps tree roots establish quicker and young trees are better able to withstand summer heat and drought. Root growth is faster due to soils being warm and moist. September through October is a good time to plant trees.
Successful tree establishment is determined by many factors. Tree roots also filter potential pollutants from stormwater and hold soil in place to prevent erosion.
Large shade trees can help waterways by intercepting rain to slow it down and help soak it in so less runs off. Planting and successfully growing trees is important to ecosystems. Fertilizer and root stimulant products are not recommended unless a soil test indicates they are needed. However, the unnecessary use of these products could lead to an increase in nutrients in surface water that can impair water ecosystems. There is still time to plant shade trees this fall, but know that fertilization and the addition of root stimulant products have been shown to have little or no effect on how quickly a tree establishes.
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