The Nordmann fir looks for nutrients in the soil that enable it to grow healthily and quickly. At the same time, however, she must also find certain elements that help her to preserve the rich green color of her needles. Whether an ordinary garden fertilizer can do both? Hardly likely.

The Nordmann fir is quite frugal when it comes to its nutrient requirements

This is what the Nordmann fir needs

The Nordmann fir does not have high nutritional requirements. In this way, a mature tree will usually manage to get by with the resources of the soil. Only if this is lean or the fir is in the bucket, an addition of nutrients could be necessary. Newly planted or transplanted specimens also get off to a better start with fertilization.

A commercially available NPK fertilizer with the elements sodium, phosphate and potassium is insufficient for the Nordmann fir in the long run. Deficiency symptoms can occur, such as the dreaded needle tan. Special fir fertilizer therefore offers an extended nutrient composition, primarily with iron, magnesium and sulphur.

timing and dosage

Nordmann firs are fertilized during their growth phase from February to August.

  • supply with fir fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks
  • 70 to 140 grams per square meter (depending on the size of the tree)
  • Distribute around the root area and work in flat
  • alternatively use long-term fertilizer for conifers

tips

When fertilizing the Nordmann fir, pay attention to the manufacturer's dosage information and do not exceed it. Even a fir can be over-fertilized.

Epsom salt for green needles

The fir fertilizer not only ensures a green coloring of the needles, but also rapid growth. If you consider that a Nordmann fir can grow up to 25 m high, this may not be desirable in a home garden. Epsom salt, which is otherwise used as an additional fertilizer against brown needles, can be used here.

Epsom salt is a highly concentrated magnesium sulfate fertilizer. It is available as a liquid fertilizer or dry preparation, with which the accompanying extensive watering must not be forgotten. Use Epsom salt sparingly and always according to the manufacturer's directions. The needles remain green and growth slows down.

Soil analysis provides reliable data

The appearance of brown needles must not be interpreted as a sure sign of deficiency. A soil analysis is the only way to reliably determine whether a soil is nutrient-poor. Likewise, the new needle color can also be caused by wetness, drought, soil compaction or pests.

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Trees