Trees need to be fertilized. If you have never done it before, you might as well start as soon as possible. This page gives you some good reasons to fertilize your large plants.
Where does the idea come from that trees don’t need to be fertilized? Perhaps because they are very tall, sometimes imposing. In any case, like us, tree specimens need nutrients; these allow them to grow and strengthen. Nutrients are found in fertilizers. A lack of fertilization leads to nutritional deficiencies. This can lead to a variety of problems, including death.
Do your trees need fertilization? If you are not in a position to judge this yourself, it is advisable to call in the services of an arborist.
The benefits of fertilization
Your trees should be fertilized twice a year. First, in the spring, when the risk of frost on the ground has passed. Then, in the fall, before winter sets in.
The nutrients provided by fertilization must be balanced. In this way, they help maintain the health of the trees and help them cope with stress when insects or diseases attack them.
There are also signs to look for when fertilization is needed. A tree that has been stagnant in growth for a few years is one of them. Yellowing or early leaf fall, in August instead of fall for example, are others. Decreasing leaf size year after year is also an indicator of nutrient deficiency. In such cases, a fertilizer application is indicated. This effort will allow the plant to regain its vigor.
Fertilizers consist of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It is recommended to spread 3 to 4 pounds of fertilizer every 100 square feet around a tree. Fertilizer spreaders are available to make the job easier. A fertilizer designed specifically for trees is ideal. However, it costs more. For smaller budgets, a lawn fertilizer may be appropriate.
However, there is a risk of over-fertilization when it comes to trees in pots. This is equivalent to indigestion from an arboricultural point of view. A good strategy in this case would be to use lawn fertilizer. There are a number of products available to ensure the healthy development of potted specimens.
Some don’t have the time, are lazy or don’t have a green thumb. In this case, opt for stakes or pellets that release the product gradually. They are put in place only once a year and the fertilization continues by itself. A search on Wikipedia will give you more information on fertilizers.
Seek advice from arborists
Many people feel uncomfortable fertilizing their large or medium-sized plants themselves. So don’t hesitate to call on a tree service company like Emondage Westmount to help you with this task.
Merci à Emondage Sherbrooke Pro pour leurs conseils qui nous aidé à écrire cet article. Prenez note qu’ils sont spécialisés en abattage arbre.