What Fertilizer Do I Use on Mondell Pine Trees?

Site Requirements

• Before the Mondell pine needs fertilization, it requires a few things from its planting site to ensure maximum growth and survival. Eldarica trees grow best in a sandy loam, which offers a pH range from 6 to 8.5. Furthermore, this variety can adapt to a wide range of soil and weather conditions; however, it cannot tolerate excessive moisture and will not survive in locations with excessive rainfall or constant irrigation. According to the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service, growing and watering grass around a Mondell pine is the fastest way to kill it.

Recommended Fertilizers

• The type of fertilizer used depends on your method of gardening. If you practice organic gardening, the Dirt Doctor website recommends a combination of organic compost and greensand, a fertilizer of marine origin. For nonorganic application, a general purpose fertilizer at a rate of 3-1-2 is sufficient, according to the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service.

Application

• Apply fertilizer in the early spring or late fall, digging it into the soil around the base of the tree without allowing it to touch any part of the tree. Follow up with a thorough watering to distribute it into the soil. Follow the manufacturer's directions for dosage. For organic applications, spread a 1- to 2-inch layer of organic compost around the base of the tree, covering the root zone, which can extend three to four times the width of the drip line, according to the Dirt Doctor.

Important Considerations

• For best results, fertilize Mondell pines at least once a year during early growth, then gradually decrease applications as the trees reach mature size. While fertilizers provide beneficial nutrients to the pines, it's important to ensure that they do not come in direct contact with the roots or any part of the trunk or foliage, as this can burn the tree and cause irreparable damage. In addition to feeding the pines, you should remove any weeds that appear around the base of the tree to allow it to get the maximum amount of nutrition from the fertilizer and the soil.