How to Fertilize Trees With Manure

Instructions

• 1

  Take a soil sample from around the tree and send it in for testing. Soil tests measure the levels of present nutrients. If the soil is already high in nitrogen, applying manure could overfeed the tree. You can find a lab by calling your county cooperative extension office.

• 2

  Walk around the tree to find the branch with the farthest distance from the tree trunk. This will help you find the drip line, which is the area below the tip of the outermost tree branch. Lay your hose around the tree to mark this line.

• 3

  Form a circle of manure around the tree, starting 3 to 4 inches away from the trunk. Apply the manure with your hands, moving away from the tree toward the hose. Keep the manure in a 3-inch-deep layer throughout. Three inches is about the length from your knuckle to finger tip.

• 4

  Apply the manure until it reaches the drip line, or hose line. Cover the ground completely until there is a ring of manure around the tree.

• 5

  Walk across the manure to pack it into the soil. This will prevent the manure from blowing away.

• 6

  Water the manure and area around the tree to help the soil absorb the nutrients. Do not water excessively because it will cause runoff.

• 7

  Wash your hands. There is little risk of contracting a disease from working with manure from poultry or cattle, but it is better to be safe than sorry.