The evergreen conifers do not need much fertilizer. At least that's what some gardeners think. But they are wrong about that. The varieties used for domestic hedges are more sensitive and require more nutrients than wild specimens in the forest. Your fertilizer must also provide certain elements.

The first fertilization takes place in spring

What nutrients does a coniferous hedge need?

For their typical needle coloration, conifers need iron and, above all, plenty of magnesium. A conventional NPK fertilizer cannot supply them with this sufficiently, since this element is completely neglected in it. Instead, the conifers are oversupplied with phosphate.

Furthermore, the coniferous hedge needs potassium because this substance helps it to develop good frost hardiness.

What can be used to fertilize a coniferous hedge?

Fertilize your conifer hedge with a special conifer fertilizer. It is available as granules and liquid fertilizer. When fertilizing, follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly, because incorrect fertilizing can be harmful.

Potassium can be supplied with potash magnesia, also known as patent potash. This fertilizer also has the valuable magnesium to offer.

tips

Magnesium deficiency quickly leads to brown spots in the hedge. In this case, reach for Epsom salt as soon as possible. You can fertilize the hedge with Epsom salt, or dissolve it in water and then spray it on the needles.

How often is the conifer hedge fertilized?

To create a dense coniferous hedge, the evergreen conifers are planted very closely. However, this means that a particularly large number of roots compete for the nutrients contained in the soil in a very small space. It should be clear that the supplies do not last long and have to be replenished regularly.

Whether the coniferous hedge needs to be fertilized once or twice a year or regularly at shorter intervals also depends on the fertilizer you use. The least you can do wrong is if you stick to the manufacturer's instructions.

When should the conifer hedge be fertilized?

Fertilization takes place during the vegetation phase, while no nutrients are added in winter.

  • first big fertilization of the year should be in spring
  • when the trees are freshly sprouting
  • can be combined well with cutting
  • fertilize in the course of the year according to the manufacturer's instructions
  • Do not apply potassium fertilizer until autumn

Category:

Trees