Q To fertilize or not to fertilize, that is the question. I mean big trees.
A Are you asking about deciduous trees or evergreen trees? In general, if your trees are well planted in the proper soil and location, they should require very little fertilization. This advice applies to our native oaks, hickories, maples, sourwoods and most other large deciduous trees.
If your tree is showing signs of stress or disease, it is far better to treat the problem than to just add fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizers stimulate leaf growth, but those leaves can be weak and complicate problems.
If you are trying to stimulate rooting of new trees, you can apply a root stimulator. These products are available at full-service nurseries.
If you wish to accelerate growth in younger trees, you can fertilize with a packaged tree fertilizer (granules, liquids or spikes), most of which are available in hardware, big box or garden stores. There are many on the market.
Evergreen trees may profit a bit more from a light yearly fertilization. Our needled evergreens, leylands, true cypress, spruce and cedars might appreciate a light application of any good tree fertilizer.
However, do not apply any fertilizers to hemlocks now because new tender growth may encourage infestations of the current severe threat to hemlocks of the hemlock woolly adelgid. Call a tree company, or spray or treat by drenching your hemlocks with the proper insecticidal products, but do not fertilize them this year.
You can fertilize your evergreen trees such as magnolias and tree hollies with a product like HollyTone or a slow-release organic fertilizer like cottonseed meal.
The best results for most healthy trees can be assured if they are kept watered during any yearly drought periods (usually August and September) and promptly treated for passing insect or disease problems. Yearly fertilization is rarely necessary.
E-mail Pat Lea at lea.pat@gmail.com.