When to Fertilize Fruit Trees
Spring, just before bud break, is the ideal time to fertilize fruit trees. However, not every tree requires fertilization each year. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive leaf and shoot growth at the expense of fruit production. Understanding your tree’s needs is essential.
Assessing Your Tree’s Needs
Here’s how to determine if your tree needs fertilizer:
- Measure last year’s growth by locating growth rings on branches and averaging measurements from multiple spots.
- Compare the average growth to target rates for the tree’s species and age (bearing or non-bearing).
- If growth exceeds the target rate, avoid fertilizing. If it’s below, apply fertilizer at the recommended rate.
Calculating Fertilizer Requirements
The amount of fertilizer needed depends on the tree’s age and size. Use no more than one-tenth of a pound of nitrogen per year of the tree’s age or per inch of trunk diameter (measured one foot above the ground). Limit total nitrogen application to one pound annually.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer
Organic fertilizers are ideal for fruit trees. Some effective options include:
- Blood meal
- Soybean meal
- Chicken manure
- Cottonseed meal
- Feather meal
- Fruit-specific fertilizers, such as E.B. Stone Citrus and Fruit Tree Food
How to Apply Fertilizer
Follow these steps for proper fertilizer application:
- Spread fertilizer evenly from one foot out from the trunk to the drip line (outer edge of branches).
- Rake the fertilizer into the soil and water deeply.
- A more targeted approach involves drilling small holes six inches deep, spaced 12-18 inches apart, from the trunk outward. Add fertilizer to each hole and cover with soil.
- Add a one-inch layer of compost to provide essential micronutrients.
Additional Tips for Healthy Trees
In addition to fertilizing, ensure your trees get enough oxygen, especially in areas with compacted soil. Use a tree and shrub aerator to deliver oxygen directly to the root zone.
Avoid fertilizing in the fall, as this can encourage new growth that’s vulnerable to frost damage.
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Fertilize with care and grow organic for life!
