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When to Fertilize Ornamental Trees

The regular use of fertilizer is recommended for all plants including ornamental trees, as this supports overall tree health. Well-fertilized trees are more resistant to diseases, pests and cultural stresses like drought. Young trees especially require fertilizers annually for healthy root growth. Trees growing close to turf areas require less fertilizer, as the roots absorb sufficient nutrients from lawn fertilizer. When to apply fertilizer is just as important as the fertilizer itself.

  1. Fertilizing Time

    • The best time to apply fertilizers to young or mature ornamental trees is between early spring and early August, recommends the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension. This is the trees' active growth period, and the plants are able to fully absorb the nutrients supplied in the fertilizers. Fertilizing after late summer is not recommended, as this encourages trees to produce new, succulent growth susceptible to cold damage. Do not fertilizer newly transplanted trees for up to four weeks after planting.

    Exceptions

    • When an ornamental tree displays low vigor and growth, apply fertilizer in fall. The recommended time to fertilize in this case is after fall frost but before freezing weather. Trees already weak with poor growth are more prone to possible winter damage if not fertilized in fall.

    Fertilizer Amount

    • The tree trunk diameter size measured 4 feet above the soil line determines the amount of fertilizer required. Trees with a trunk diameter of 6 feet or more require about 4 lbs. of 10-6-4 fertilizer. Add 4 lbs. for every additional inch of trunk diameter, applying 40 lbs. of fertilizer for trunk diameter of 10 feet, as recommended by the Maryland Cooperative Extension. In trees with less than 6 inches of trunk diameter, use 2 lbs. fertilizer for each inch.

    Application Suggestions

    • Use granular fertilizer formulations and spread it evenly under the tree. Cover the entire root zoned, which is the area starting from trunk and extending a little beyond plant canopy. Make sure soil is dry when applying fertilizer and pull a few inches away from the trunk, as this can lead to fertilizer burn. Water the trees well after applying fertilizers. Use only as much as recommended according to tree size.

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Growing Jasmine
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