Tree Fertilizing in Fall: Is It Worth It?

When people think about fertilizing, spring usually comes to mind. After all, that’s when flowers bloom, lawns turn green again, and trees burst back to life. However, fall is also a great time to give your trees the nutrients they need. The growing season may be slowing down above ground, but underground, a lot is still happening.

As trees prepare for winter, their roots remain active, even after the leaves have dropped. Fertilizing in fall takes advantage of this relatively quiet period. Instead of fueling leafy growth, nutrients applied now are stored in the roots, trunk, and branches. When spring arrives, the tree draws on those reserves, giving it a head start for new growth and improved overall health.

In undisturbed areas, most commonly found in nature, trees typically don’t need fertilizer as there is an abundance of decomposed organic matter in the form of leaves, pine straw and fallen wood.However, due to poor farming practices in the region we have inherited a heavy clay soil which is oftentimes nutrient deficient. Consequently, trees need help through fertilization, especially those found in the urban forest.

Trees in the urban forest are subject to the effects of extreme temperatures, limited root space and nutrient deficiencies in soil. The New Urban Forestry Soil Care Program works to improve trees' health and resilience to these stressors. Our fertilizer is a high-quality, slow-release blend that contains essential macro- and micro-nutrients. Also, our fertilizer blend is not designed to boost growth like others with a high nitrogen content but instead provide maintenance properties.

Just like a good night’s sleep prepares you for the rigors of the following day, a fall Soil Care application provides the nutrients your trees need to get a running start when spring returns. Call New Urban Forestry today to set up an appointment with one of our Certified Arborists and learn more about the vital role soil health plays in the vitality and longevity of your trees.  As always, life is better with trees and trees are better with us!

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