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If you have trees in your yard, they will need fertilizer every year to keep them healthy and attractive. What kind of fertilizer and when depends on many factors, including the type of tree and the soil quality, so consult an arborist about these details. However, fertilization is almost always necessary for the following reasons.

Benefits of Fertilization in Tree Care

Fertilizer contains nutrients for trees and other plants. Most are made of a mixture of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are considered macronutirents for plants because they’re needed in large quantities. Trees need these nutrients to grow since they’re the building blocks the plant uses to construct cells, and they also help with photosynthesis.

Not only does feeding the tree help it grow a taller trunk and more developed branches, it helps replace fallen leaves for the new year. Additionally, if you have a fruit tree, it needs even more nutrients to grow healthy blossoms and plentiful fruit. This is because fruit costs the tree extra energy and materials to produce in addition to leaves.

Fertilizer also helps protect your tree in the same way that certain vitamins help boost a human’s immune system. Trees need additional nutrients like zinc, iron, and boron to fight off fungus, pests, and diseases. Natural fertilizers and compost contain these micronutrients, and you may also find them in some artificial fertilizers. A weak, underfed tree is more vulnerable to damage, while a healthy tree has stronger natural defenses like thick bark, lots of sap, and vigorous immune reactions within every cell.

Why Trees Acquire Nutrients Naturally

FertilizationIf you're wondering why a tree in your yard needs fertilization when a tree in the forest doesn't, the difference in the environment is the answer. In a natural forest setting, the ground is rich with nutrients that are replenished by decomposing leaves and wood. In your yard, these materials are typically raked up and carried away before they can add nutrients back to the soil.

Additionally,  the forest contains a variety of plants for a diverse ecosystem and more bare ground for roots to grow. In your yard, trees are likely surrounded by grass, an aggressive, nutrient-hungry plant that will deplete the soil before the tree can get what it needs. Adding fertilizer helps supply the greater need for nutrients and makes up for the lack of decomposing plant matter.

 

For help with your tree's fertilization, contact Dave & Aaron Stang's Certified Tree Care in Cincinnati, OH. Serving the greater Cincinnati area since 2003, these certified arborists follow ISA standards to provide knowledgeable care, keeping your trees healthy and attractive. Call (513) 936-9777 or visit their website to schedule a visit.

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