Everyone who cares about maintaining their lawn knows how important a role fertilizer plays in helping grass grow long and green, flowers blossom to the fullest and bushes stand tall and full. However, many people forget that fertilizer can help keep trees happy, too. A tree’s root system penetrates deep into the soil, meaning if the soil isn’t healthy, your tree won’t be, either.
Routine tree fertilization in Baton Rouge is the best way to keep your trees standing tall and healthy, especially as we head into the winter season. But sometimes, trees also need that little extra “oomph” to perk them up. Your tree may already be displaying signs that it could benefit from some extra fertilizer.
If you’re unsure of when it’s appropriate to fertilize your tree, here are some signs to look out for:
- Small leaves: It may be somewhat difficult to notice year after year, but some trees’ leaves shrink over time. This should not be happening. Typically, growth is being hindered by a nutrient deficiency, and you should fertilize as soon as possible.
- Minimal growth: When your tree is a few years old, you should be able to observe its growth with every passing year until it reaches maturity. If your tree has appeared to stay the same size, or perhaps has even shrunk in size, it’s not getting the nutrients it needs. Load up the soil below it with nutrient-packed fertilizer to bolster its growth.
- Dying branches: If you examine the small branches and twigs near the top and sides of your tree and notice that many of them are dead, it’s very possible that the soil doesn’t have enough nutrients for your tree to feed these peripheral branches. This doesn’t mean your tree needs to be pruned and kept small. Fertilizing can help provide the nutrients your soil currently lacks.
- Inappropriately colored leaves: By this time in fall, your tree’s leaves are probably a gorgeous shade of yellow, orange or red and are preparing to fall. But if you notice these colors in other seasons like spring or summer, something is definitely wrong. Leaves changing color prematurely might indicate that your tree is sick or not getting enough nutrients, so add fertilizer to the roots to coax it back into its lush green summer look.
Other important tree fertilization tips
Young trees need extra fertilizer after being planted and in their early years of growth to help ensure they take root deeply and grow tall and strong. Slow-release fertilizers are best for young trees, as they help provide nutrients at a steady rate.
Fertilizing in fall is a great alternative or addition to fertilizing in spring. This is because tree growth slows before winter. During this time, the roots can transfer extra nutrients to the systems that protect the tree against damage and disease as the winter temperatures set in.
Additionally, certain types of trees might benefit from particular types of fertilizer that’s applied at specific times of the year. The best way to learn more about your tree’s specific needs is to contact an arborist and inquire about tree fertilization in Baton Rouge.
For fertilization help, contact Allan’s Tree Service. Our tree care experts offer many tree services for residential, commercial and industrial clients. Reach out to us today to receive a free estimate!
Categorised in: Tree Fertilization
This post was written by Allan's