Information on Nut Tree Fertilizer

Recommendations

• Nut trees require the primary nutrient nitrogen on a regular basis. Potassium and phosphorus are also required but in smaller amounts. You can add phosphorus to the soil under established trees to improve the quality of the nuts. Compost is recommended as among the good fertilizers for nut trees as the slow decomposition of the organic matter acts like a slow-release fertilizer and contains all essential primary and secondary nutrients.

Timing

• Younger nut trees do not require any fertilizer and should not be fertilized in the first year of growth, as recommended by Jerry Minnich in "The Michigan Gardener's Guide." Use a high nitrogen fertilizer during early spring after one year of growth. Apply nitrogen fertilizer regularly every year to promote growth.

Type

• The University of California Extension recommends the use of 21-0-0, or ammonium sulfate, or 46-0-0 fertilizer for nut trees. Spread fertilizer under trees starting 1 foot away from the trunk and irrigate well. If you are using drip irrigation, place fertilizer below the drip emitters.