Trees appear to grow and thrive everywhere without help from people. Yet, some say fertilizer is necessary for root health and steady growth. Do trees need fertilizer like garden plants?
Incorporating fertilizer in tree care has its benefits. Continue reading our guide below to learn about fertilizer and plant healthcare in Louisville.
Can’t Trees Grow Naturally Without Fertilizer?
Since trees grow in forests unaided, you might wonder why the trees in a suburban landscape might have trouble growing healthily and producing lovely leaves, strong branches, and robust root systems. The answer is in the soil.
The soil in forests and other natural spaces isn’t the same as what’s in urban or suburban areas. Local trees often grow in soil with nutrient deficiencies due to human activities and environmental factors like the lack of enrichment from fallen leaves and other organic matter. As such, the soil may have problems sustaining a tree without help from fertilizers.
Why Should You Fertilize the Trees in Your Yard?
Do trees need fertilizer? Sometimes they do. When the soil around a tree lacks the right nutrients to promote good root health and consistent plant growth, the fertilizer can provide whatever the soil is missing.
Still, not every tree is going to need the extra assistance. The ones that do include the following:
- Damaged Trees. Pest infestations, illness, and severe weather can prevent trees from blooming new leaves, flowers, and branches during their growing season. Fertilizers can give them much-needed nutrients to heal and recover.
- Fruiting Trees. Fruit-growing trees often need additional nutrients from the soil.
- Newly Planted Trees. When transplanting a tree, it’s important to apply fertilizer to the surrounding soil to give the plant’s roots a chance to store extra energy for the upcoming winter.
How To Fertilize Your Trees
After learning the answer to, “Do trees need fertilizer?” you should know how and when to handle this tree care service.
Know How To Assess Tree Health
Since all trees don’t need fertilizer, your first step is determining if it’s necessary for the plants in your yard. Look for possible indicators of poor health like:
- Premature leaf discoloration with green veins
- Branch dieback
- Undersized leaves
- Short twig growth
- Weak growth
Know When To Fertilize Your Trees
Fertilizing trees in the fall is a good way to help the plant recover the nutrients it lost over the summer while ensuring it has enough stored energy for the winter. Yet, springtime fertilizing helps leaves turn green and secure their vibrancy throughout the summer. It also supports new growth during the growing season.
If you don’t want to worry about when to add extra nutrients to the soil, you could use a slow-release fertilizer. This option feeds nutrients to the soil over time, so the season doesn’t matter.
Know Which Fertilizer To Use
Most fertilizers have a blend of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium, which plants need to thrive. Yet, your soil might be missing micro-nutrients like boron or manganese. Hiring a tree care service to test your soil and determine its needs is best.
Give Your Trees the Proper Plant Healthcare Services To Boost Their Health and Beauty
Whether you’re asking questions like, “What are the dangers of planting a tree too close to a house?” or, “Do trees need fertilizer?” you can get the right answers from New Leaf Tree Service. Our locally owned, fully licensed, and insured tree care company in Louisville, Kentucky, specializes in tree care services like trimming, pruning, and crane services as well as tree and plant healthcare.
With our extensive knowledge of trees, we can handle everything from soil testing to tree growth support like fertilizers. Our certified professionals also offer hassle-free customer experiences and free estimates. Get yours today — call (502) 419-9899.