Some trees need professional care, and most of the time, experts recommend fertilizing all the trees yearly to keep them healthy. You can hire an arborist to do a tree survey, so you can have an idea of what your trees necessities. They say that fertilizers are specially created to meet any trees’ nutritional requirements, and regular fertilization makes tress less prone to stress. Because of that, fertilization becomes the most excellent option to keep your trees healthy and well-maintained.
When trees are fertilized, they can grow faster. But it doesn’t mean that they are always healthy. To enlighten you from this confusion keeps reading this article up to the last word to be fully informed.
Nutrient Deficiencies
As long as the threes keep on growing and its leaves look healthy and undamaged, then probably that trees don’t have any deficiencies to be managed. However, if the foliage and twigs appeared to be different from its appearance, such as abnormal-yellow, misshapen, or smaller than usual, then the unusual-low soil fertility could be the main problem.
Other natural conditions can copy the sign of nutrient deficiency, especially the inappropriate process of irrigation and soil pH level. In other cases, these symptoms and signs can be a cause of excessive nutrients for other trees. Other symptoms that are documented are girdling roots or root wrapping around the tree’s trunk.
Plant Growth
If the trees are growing rapidly, it doesn’t mean that a tree is always happy and healthy. Excess in the nitrogen induces the growth of the tree’s twigs and leaves, and at the same time, it also expands its roots. It can reduce the tree’s drought tolerance for a longer period. And sometimes, it can lead to a shorter and expensive pruning cycle.
In severe cases, the branches of over-fertilized trees can grow abnormally long and thin, which can increase the risk for its damage. This scenario is quite common in younger trees.
Soil and Lear Nutrient Analysis
If a nutrient deficiency is present in trees, the soil and leaf samples should be studied to a specialized laboratory for trees testing. These tree laboratories can provide a well-detailed prescription and recommendation for soil amendments. And if needed, it should be customized by an arborist and other tree survey professionals that are familiar with the site.
Nutrient Excess
Trees nutrients are like salt; a large number of them can damage the trees by inhibiting the water intake through the osmosis process. Because of this, it is essential not to fertilize any drought-stressed trees to prevent damage from getting bigger. One of the most common signs and symptoms of this is leaf scorch. It is a sign of over-fertilization that is characterized by leaf drop and brown leaf margins.
Other trees like California natives may need nutrient-poor soils to live. Though these trees can grow quickly with the help of fertilization, and others may not accumulate leaf scorch, but excessive soil fertility can shorten their lifespans.
In addition to the over-fertilization of being bad for trees, it is also bad for the environment. Over-fertilized residential and commercial areas is a major reason why there is water pollution in other countries.
Also, keep in mind that lawns need to be fertilized, so a tree near your lawn may also become over-fertilized even if it is not intended for a fertilizer application.
