Most patches of earth can be given a color and character by planting trees.Although trees don't need a lot of maintenance, they do benefit from the occasional application offertilizer.If you want to avoid damaging your tree, you need to test your soil first.Adding an appropriate amount of fertilization in the spring or fall will help your trees recover from damage and continue growing.
Step 1: If your tree is damaged, spread thefertilizer.
Poor growth can be an indicator that a tree isn't getting the right amount of nutrition.There are small, pale leaves and short branches.If a tree appears to be damaged or dying from harsh weather, insects, diseases, or chemicals, it can benefit from using afertilizer to repair it and prevent future harm.The healthy trees don't need any extra help.Addingfertilizer to good soil can cause your tree to over grow and weaken it.
Step 2: Take a look at the distance between the growth rings on the tree branches.
As you check out the tree's branches, bring a tape measure.There are little bud scars on the branches.They will look like something is broken.You can measure how much the tree has grown by looking at the scars on the branch.You won't need to take precise measurements if the rings are evenly distributed.You may still want to understand how much your tree is growing.Every year, a new tree will grow by approximately 9 to 12 in.An older tree will grow by 10 to 15 cm every year.Within 10 to 30 years, your tree will reach maturity.The growth will slow down by then.
Step 3: There is a test.
You can find the country extension office in your area.They can give you a complete analysis of what's missing in the soil if you take a sample.You can easily determine what kind offertilizer you need with this test.Before adding anything to the soil, make sure to do this test.Most home improvement stores sell a testing kit.The results of these tests can help you figure out how to improve your soil, even if they aren't as detailed as an official test.Sometimes the problem is the soil's pH.This isn't fixed with urea.If you want to raise the pH, use garden lime and lower it with sulfur or aluminum sulfate.If your tree's optimal pH range is not present, you should only adjust your soil.
Step 4: Fertilization can be added to the soil in the fall or spring.
Timing the applications is important to avoid damage to the tree.The best time is around October.Wait for the first frost in your area before applying thefertilizer.The best time to addfertilizer is in the early spring around April and May.Fall is the best time of the year because the tree is still active and will absorb and store the vitamins and minerals for the spring.The tree will grow if you add too much early.New growth on your tree can die in the summer or winter.
Step 5: Measure the diameter of the trunk above the ground.
The size of your tree can be used to determine how much you need.To estimate the tree's thickness, use a tape measure.You can use it in your calculations if you note the measurement.Measure the tree's trunk at about chest height in order to get a safe estimate on how much you need.
Step 6: Take the trunk's diameter and divide it by 100.
The goal is to give most trees no more than 1 lbs offertilizer per year.The general estimate of nitrogen you need for a 1,000 sq ft growing space will be given here.If your tree is in a smaller yard, you should use less fertilization.A tree 3 in (8.6 cm) thick needs a small amount offertilizer.0.25 is 3 x 0.10.Areas such as sidewalks, driveways, and buildings are not counted when determining the tree's growing area.Trees near structures will need less fertilization.If you want to estimate how much you need, you can use the tree's age.
Step 7: Take the amount of nitrogen in thefertilizer and divide it by your estimate.
It's important to make the last calculation in order to avoid over-fertilization.The nitrogen content will be listed on the bag.You will see a number such as 30 3 3, which means thefertilizer is 30 parts nitrogen, 3 parts phosphorus, and 2 parts potassium.The amount of nitrogen in 1 lbs of your particularfertilizer is 0.30 lbs.If you think you need 0.2 lbs of nitrogen, you'll need about a third of that.The number is divided by the number of 0.9.
Step 8: You can choose afertilizer for your soil.
Selecting the right bag can feel intimidating.You will know what you need if you test your soil.The best choice is a mixture of 12 to 30 parts nitrogen.Don't add too much of the nutrients to the soil by keeping the K and P content low.Adding nitrogen is the most common reason.If your soil is low in nitrogen, you can get a fertilization.Depending on the composition of your soil, look for something with 3 to 12 parts phosphorus and potassium.Slow-releasefertilizer is used for nitrogen fertilization.Liquidfertilizer can be injected directly into the soil if it doesn't have any of the important vitamins and minerals.There is a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 8-1-1 or 15-5-5 for general fertilizers.
Step 9: Take a look at the branch spread on the tree.
A tree's roots can spread underground.The tree needs to be fertilized as far as the roots go.Start at the end of the branch.Measure all the way to the furthest branches on the opposite side of the tree with a tape measure.The diameter of the branch will give you an idea of how far the tree's roots have spread.
Step 10: If you want to fertilize the tree directly, you should dig evenly-spaced holes.
If your soil is very dense, it is important to do this.Make holes about 1 in in diameter, 6 to 12 in deep, but space them 2 ft apart.If you want to create more circles of holes until you are beyond the tree's branches, dig the holes in circles.You can use a drill with an attachment to make holes.The holes should reach 1.5 times farther than the branches.Any tree can be helped by drilling holes.If there are grass and other plants above the roots, it can be useful to rake up the tree's leaves.Most of the roots are not more than 18 in (46 cm) below the surface.You should be aware of any utility lines under the soil.The root zone should not be disturbed too much.There are both large and small roots in the tree's root zone.If you can, try to avoid all of these roots.
Step 11: Thefertilizer should be spread 1.5 times further than the tree.
To find out how far you need to distribute thefertilizer, divide the diameter by 1.5.rake it smooth after scattering yourfertilizer over the area.You can spread thefertilizer up to 2 times further than the tree.If you dug holes to get to the roots, fill them with thefertilizer.
Step 12: An organic compost can be spread over thefertilizer.
The pine bark compost adds important minerals to the soil.It keeps the soil moist and insulates it.A layer of compost should be no more than 4 in.Put it over thefertilizer and rake it flat.Compost adds more nitrogen to the soil.Take the amount of compost you add into account.
Step 13: There is water.
The best way to water trees is by setting a hose near the trunk.Allow the water to trickle into the soil for 2 or 3 hours.The compost should be completely moist to eliminate air holes.If you want your soil to reach the roots, you need to add enough water.If you want to test the soil, push a screwdriver or metal rod into it.It should come out dirty.A bucket or sprinklers can be used if you can't use a hose.