Fertilizing Shade Trees and Vertical Mulching

Newly Planted Trees

Newly planted trees should be fertilized with a root starter fertilizer with Vitamin B1 immediately after planting.Follow the recommended rate on the label to apply properly. Never use a fertilizer meant for mature plants on new material. It is essential for these plants to establish a healthy root system. Top growth will follow.

Trees Planted One To Two Years

Trees that have been planted for 1 to 2 years can be fertilized by two different methods. Choose the one which is most convenient for you.

• Water Soluble Fertilizing: These include fertilizers such as Miracle-gro or Peter's Plant Food which are mixed with water and then poured over the root ball area of the plant.The best time to use this method is from early spring to early summer.

• Root Feeding with Water Soluble Fertilizer: The easiest way to root feed is to use the Ross Root Feeding System. Simply follow the directions given for the fertilizer formula you are using. This method of fertilizing also deep waters the root system of the tree and helps to aerate the soil.

Trees Planted Three or More Years

These trees will benefit from a feeding every 2 -3 years. The best time to feed is after the first hard freeze in the fall through early December.The best way to feed trees that have been planted for more than two years is to use the vertical mulching method.

• First Calculate the Amount of Fertilizer Needed. Measure the diameter of the trunk 4 feet from the base of the tree.

• Rates of 9-18-18, 10-6-4, or 10-10-10 to use when fertilizing:Tree trunks 1 - 6 inches in diameter....Use 1 lb. per inch diameter. Tree trunks 6 inches and over....Use 3 lbs. per inch diameter.

• Drill or Punch Holes: The easiest way to do this is to use a soil auger which can be attached to a drill The holes should be 1 1/2" to 2" wide and 8" to 12" deep. Begin 3 feet away from the trunk. Drill the holes 18" to 24" apart in rings that are 2 feet apart. Extend the pattern from 3 to 10 feet beyond the drip line of the tree.

• Apply The Fertilizer: Simply distribute the amount of fertilizer needed evenly between the holes.

• Fill the Holes: Fill the holes with coarse peat moss, fine gravel,or perlite after you have finished fertilizing.

• Water the entire area you have fertilized for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Vertical Mulching

Vertical mulching is accomplished by the same process described here. You just skip the addition of fertilizer. This will facilitate the absorption of rain and waterings.and will aerate the soil.

If you intend to use tree fertilizer spikes to feed your trees we recommend that the spikes be broken into three portions and then be evenly distributed in the same method as granular fertilizer. The spike pieces should be driven 6" -8" into the ground and should not be placed within two feet of the trunk. Use this method in late fall only.