In general, trees that have been planted out are best able to support themselves through their root system. However, with poor soil and heavy planting, there can still be a lack of nutrients due to the pressure of competition - especially if the gardener is very tidy and, for example, always rakes away autumn leaves. A soil analysis provides information about which nutrients are missing and whether fertilization is necessary.

Trees in tubs in particular should be fertilized regularly

Basic principles of tree fertilization at a glance

For quick readers, here we have prepared a summary of the article, which at a glance presents the main principles of fertilizing trees.

  • A soil sample provides concrete indications of missing nutrients and optimal fertilization.
  • Provide trees with organic fertilizers whenever possible.
  • These are applied at the beginning of the growing season.
  • A second fertilization takes place by the end of June at the latest.
  • In principle, mineral fertilizers are only necessary in the event of deficiency symptoms.
  • Potted trees also benefit from mineral fertilizers.
  • When it comes to fertilizing, less is often more - over-fertilization results in diseased trees.

When fertilization is necessary

First of all, fertilizing trees from blue haze is often a bad idea, as most garden soils these days are more likely to be over-fertilized than under-fertilized. Therefore, a previous soil sample, which is sent to a state or private soil analysis agency and evaluated there, makes sense. With the result of the laboratory test, you will also receive a fertilizer recommendation, with which you can no longer go wrong. The fact that fertilization might be necessary for a tree and that there may even be a deficiency can be seen from the characteristic features:

  • The otherwise vigorous tree suddenly slows down considerably in growth.
  • Shoots and leaves wither.
  • The flowering also decreases, as does any fruit formation (e.g. in fruit trees).
  • The foliage becomes pale, sometimes the leaf veins are darker in color.
  • The tree sheds foliage during the growing season.

But before you resort to fertilizer if you see these signs, it is better to take a closer look at the causes of such changes. In many cases, diseases or pests are behind it instead.

When it comes to fertilization, less is more

In principle, trees that have been planted out should be fertilized at most every two years, which is usually completely sufficient. Since over-fertilization can have just as serious consequences as severe undersupply, you should also give preference to organic fertilizers - these are only absorbed after about three to four weeks and then only gradually, so that over-fertilization is unlikely. Suitable as organic fertilizers

  • mature compost
  • Stable manure (cattle, horse, sheep - no poultry, especially no pigeon manure!)
  • Horn shavings,(32.93€) horn meal
  • Lawn clippings, wood chips, (23.53€) leaves
  • wood ash
  • rock flour
  • algae lime

Most fruit trees are adequately cared for according to this scheme:

  • Every 3 - 5 years spread the mature compost on the tree disc and work it in
  • Add rock flour (14.13€) and algae lime
  • Fertilization with mulch material, e.g. B. lawn clippings, cover
  • water thoroughly

Lime-sensitive trees such as the magnolia are better fertilized with manure than with compost.

Mineral fertilization in case of deficiency symptoms

Mineral fertilization is only recommended in the case of pronounced deficiency symptoms, such as iron or potassium deficiency. Otherwise, garden trees are quickly oversupplied with special tree fertilizers.

tips

Lime-loving trees benefit from a lime coat for a variety of reasons.

Category:

Trees