Tree fertilizer is a tool for bolstering the health of your trees. When applied correctly during appropriate times of the year, the fertilizer will encourage new growth, stave off pests and disease, and develop a robust root system. Fertilizer is not a cure-all for trees; owners will still need to rely on tree trimming Cambridge, but the nutritional boost to the system aids in the resilience of the tree. While the timing of fertilization matters – late April, early May – there are other factors to consider before fertilization.
Habitat
Many people consider the look of a tree before thinking about the species. They may see a tree as only a design element meant to appease some aesthetic appeal, but a tree removed from its natural habitat will struggle to survive. Your back or front yard might not have the appropriate nutrients and minerals to ensure the tree survives. While it is ideal to find a tree that naturally coexists with your landscape, it is not always possible. However, that does not mean you can’t have the tree; it only means you need to fertilize it and do so well. With the right balance of nutrients and minerals, your trees can flourish.
Tree Age
An older, more established tree does not require as much from fertilization because it already has a robust root system. However, a young tree will need to absorb nutrients and minerals rapidly to encourage sustained growth. The primary component of fertilizer for new trees is nitrogen, promoting a dense canopy and root system. The developing root system and the tree will eventually develop a relationship with fungi to help metabolize nutrients and minerals from its existing soil. Still, the fertilizer plays a critical role in initial development.
Existing Nutrients and Nutrient Levels
The nutrients in soil allow a tree to live and thrive in its environment. Unfortunately, the needs of every tree species vary, meaning there is no one-size-fits-all fertilization solution. You should perform a soil test to ensure that you balance the nutrients in your soil, eliminating the risks of over-fertilizing the space, creating several potential problems.
When considering your trees’ needs, it is essential to consider the two nutrient sub-groups: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are those nutrients required for growth, like nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, and calcium. These minerals are needed in larger quantities than their micronutrient counterparts: iron, copper, boron, molybdenum, chlorine, manganese, and zinc.
While compiling these ingredients separately could prove challenging, many commercial fertilizers at your big-box chains will have appropriate amounts of each nutrient, with details on the label. You only need to ensure the stated percentages are within the ranges you need.
Need for Fertilization in the City and Suburbs
Environmental stresses come from several sources, but in the city and suburbs, they are plentiful. Construction, soil compaction, clustered plantings, and moisture availability all present challenges for a young or new tree, making fertilization crucial to its survival and growth. However, beyond fertilizing new plants, you should also focus on pruning and watering during the early stages of development.
Getting a tree past its first year in a new location is critical to its long-term success. While anything can happen in the years to follow, the first several months in a new environment can prove detrimental to a young tree, especially if owners are not competent about tree care.
Thankfully, you do not have to understand everything about trees. You do not have to become an arborist. If you want to plant a new tree or simply take care of the trees on your property, contact Martin’s Tree Service to discuss the fertilization needs and schedule a property assessment. Contact our tree trimming Cambridge specialists today!
Steve Martin
