If you haven’t fed your trees lately, they might be hungry. Fertilizing your trees is important to replace lost minerals and nutrients. Unfortunately, our soils don’t always provide everything trees require. Even if a tree is getting enough nutrients from the soil, it still might benefit from occasional fertilizing to help it look and grow its best. After all, healthy trees are less likely to succumb to pests or illness. Yes, even trees can become sick from bacteria or viruses. Read on to learn more about when trees need fertilizer.
Why Should We Fertilize Domestic Trees?
Trees are resilient, but they still need care, or they can be more susceptible to stressors. Biodiversity is more prolific in nature. Think of the rich soil in a redwood forest. Logs rot, animals come to the end of their lives and break down, becoming a part of the nutrient cycle. But in our own yards, we rake up leaves. Our lawns are tame and manicured. And while this looks beautiful, it means the soil has less nutrient density. To compensate, our domestic trees need fertilizer to mimic a wilder world.
When to Fertilize Trees
October is a good month to fertilize trees, as well as April, once the frost leaves the ground. As a general rule, remember drought-stressed trees shouldn’t be fertilized. Trees slow their growth when there’s a lack of water, and the salts in many commercial fertilizers may harm stressed roots.
How to Tell When Trees Need Fertilizer
There are some signs that your trees need fertilizer. For example, if its leaves are discolored or fall off out of season. Or, if the tree grows very little, even with plenty of watering or rainfall. Another concerning indicator would be dead and brittle branches.
Our Services
If your trees are experiencing any of the above symptoms, or you’re just not sure, give us a call at Sexy Trees. Our skilled team of arborists can inspect your trees and the quality of your soil. Contact our office at (925) 233-6877.