Evergreens rarely need fertilization. They also require less fertilizer than their deciduous counterparts and may incur damage and even death from overfertilization.
As the go-to tree service company in Chapel Hill, our crew at J&D Tree Pros will delve deeper into plant health and soil nutrients. Keep reading as we discuss several gardening tips and how to fertilize evergreen trees.
Plant Health
Evergreens need water, sunshine, and 17 nutrients for normal growth. However, if an evergreen suffers from poor growth, it’s most likely caused by nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. Check for yellow or light-colored leaves or needles, wilting, dieback at the branch tips, and more.
When To Fertilize Evergreen Trees
Ideally, you should only fertilize evergreens after a soil test or analysis of the area around the tree. A soil analysis will provide details of soil nutrient deficiencies or toxicity, the soil pH level, and the amount of organic matter within the soil.
The most appropriate time to fertilize evergreens is in early spring before new growth. This is when they will most likely absorb the highest amount of nutrients as they prepare for the growth phase.
You want to fertilize about two to three times a season for the best results. However, applying nutrients later in the season will create new growth that will be too young and feeble to survive the harsh winter environmental factors.
How To Fertilize Evergreen Trees
When evergreen trees need fertilizer, you want them to absorb it from the soil. Never apply fertilizer directly to a new planting hole.
Since the nutrients evergreens require aren’t available in neutral or alkaline soil, they need acidic soils. Therefore, you must choose the site and fertilizer carefully to maintain your desired evergreen landscape.
It also helps to note that different evergreens will respond differently to fertilizer. Proper fertilizer choice matters. Remember that most fertilizers list nitrogen as the first macronutrient, as that’s the mineral that promotes green growth in any plant. The higher the first number, the better your evergreens look.
For example, a good fertilizer for pines, firs, spruces, yews, and junipers would be a fertilizer with a 12-4-8. The first, second, and third numbers represent the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively.
Bottom Line
If you have any doubts about when, how, and how much to fertilize evergreen trees, call an expert for help. A certified arborist will assess your evergreen trees and recommend the best course of action. They can also help with seasonal maintenance and landscape care.
Trust Your Local Tree Experts
When you need help with your evergreens, hire competent experts. At J&D Tree Pros, we have the best interests of your trees at heart, and we offer various tree care services, including:
- Tree removal and stump grinding
- Tree trimming and pruning
- Emergency tree services
Call J&D Tree Pros at (919) 467-7997 to request a free estimate for tree service in Apex, North Carolina. Reach out for more information on how to fertilize evergreen trees or to learn what causes trees to fall.