Deep Root Fertilizing For Healthy Trees

In most landscapes, leaves are raked from below trees to encourage growing grass. Removing leaves eliminates the nutrient cycle that happens in natural habitats. Fertilization may be necessary to replace those nutrients that are removed from the root zones of trees. A few common signs of low nutrition in trees are undersized leaves, short new growth on twigs, and yellowish green leaves. Fertilizing trees with low nutrition can increase their resistance from damaging insects, diseases, and other environmental stresses.

The best time to fertilize trees is late April or early May just before they begin to put on new growth, or in late fall after the trees are dormant. This ensures that nutrients are available to the tree during the critical periods of root and shoot growth. Do not fertilize trees between July 15 and dormancy because it could stimulate new growth late in the season that does not have a chance to harden off before winter.

Avoid fertilizing trees that may be stressed by drought conditions during the summer months. Do not over-fertilize trees that are otherwise healthy. Over-fertilization can actually cause the opposite effect and increase problems related to insects, disease, and other stresses.

Mike’s Tree Company utilizes a deep root injection probe that directs nutrients below competing grass roots and into the root zone of trees, about 6-8 inches below the soil line. Each injection site is spaced evenly underneath the entire canopy of the tree to ensure equal distribution of the fertilizer. We use long lasting slow-release fertilizers that create a balanced feeding throughout the growing season.