You may have heard that you should fertilize the trees on your property to keep them healthy and aid their growth. But is this tip akin to ones like “You should only water your lawn during a full moon”? Or does it actually have some weight to it?
Learn more about the answer to “Do trees need fertilizer to stay healthy?” from Tip Top Arborists, offering expert tree services in Leona Valley, CA.
What Does Fertilizer Do for Trees?
Trees need nutrients to maintain their health and growth patterns. Nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium are all important nutrients. Traditionally, plants absorb these from the soil, taking them into their roots and storing them in the leaves and other parts.
But if the soil health is not reliable enough to readily provide these nutrients to the tree, it will begin to suffer. Tree fertilization supplements the vitamins and nutrients found naturally in the soil. It includes a careful blend of components designed for that species, delivering precise amounts of tree nutrients.
Is Fertilizer Necessary for Every Tree?
Fertilization offers numerous benefits for trees. It replenishes lost nutrients, helps mature species maintain their growth, and allows young ones to grow faster and stronger. But this treatment is not necessary for every tree.
Applying fertilization only does any good if a plant is experiencing nutrient deficiencies. This process also is not a one-size-fits-all solution. To see the most benefits, you’ll need to apply the right type of fertilization with the correct balance of phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium, and potassium for that species.
The best way to determine which trees need fertilizer is to conduct a soil test. Professional arborists can check for the nutrient levels in the soil surrounding the trunk and then determine what the species is lacking. They can then create a special fertilization blend to make up for any deficiencies.
What Happens If You Apply Fertilizer Unnecessarily?
When researching “Do trees really need fertilizer?” you may assume it is safer to simply fertilize every tree in your yard. This guarantees that all of the plants have access to the nutrients they need. Unfortunately, overfertilizing may be just as dangerous as failing to apply fertilizer when necessary.
When trees receive too many nutrients, it can inhibit their water intake through osmosis. This leads to leaf scorch, in which the leaves turn brown prematurely and drop. You may also notice stunted tree growth and root damage after prolonged overfertilization.
Also, not every species requires the same amount of nutrients. Some California natives do better with nutrient-poor soils. You should reserve fertilizer application only for the ones that are deficient.
Turn to Our Certified Arborists for Guidance
Do trees need fertilizer to stay healthy? Some companies will tell you that every tree requires fertilization. At Tip Top Arborists, we know this treatment is only necessary in certain circumstances.
Allow us to quash this and other tree care myths to help you support the health and longevity of the species on your property. Contact us today at 661-942-5501 to request a free estimate.