How to Feed a Redbud

The Eastern redbud tree and its cultivars are located in many landscapes and wooded areas. This popular tree produces bean-like pods as its fruit. This allows the tree to fix nitrogen in the surrounding soil, often making fertilization unnecessary. However, if the tree becomes stressed from lack of moisture, physical damage or competing landscape companions, fertilization may be needed. Feeding the redbud tree can remove some of the stress and make for a healthier landscape specimen that will be stronger and live longer.

Soil test
Fertilizer
Spreader

Instructions

- 1
  Record the growth of the tree. If new shoots have grown 6 inches or more in the last year, fertilization is probably not needed. If verticillium wilt is present, fertilize the tree with nitrogen fertilizer. Verticillium wilt manifests through sunken cankers on limbs.
- 2
  Take a soil test in the area where the redbud is growing. An analysis of the soil will explain which elements are lacking to feed the redbud tree, and you can adjust the type of fertilizer required based on the results of the soil test.
- 3
  Apply the proper fertilizer, based on the results of the soil test, to the area around the tree in the late winter, before the flowers appear on the redbud. Flowers on this specimen appear before the leaves emerge.
- 4
  Broadcast, or scatter, fertilizer pellets under the canopy of the tree to the drip line and beyond if roots are visible.
- 5
  Water the area thoroughly after scattering the fertilizer. If rain is forecast around this time, apply the fertilizer before the showers occur and let the fertilizer get watered in naturally.

Can Leland Cypress Trees Be Trimmed?

Bruce & Methley Plum Trees

Landscaping Trees