Just like us, trees need nutrients to survive. Sure, that’s a bit of a no-brainer, but one common problem in urban and suburban environments is a lack of nutrients for trees. With reduced amounts of nutrients, trees can lose their leaves. That’s a problem because leaves are a tree’s main nutrient source. Without them, a tree now has to compete with grass and other vegetation for nutrients.

In a case like this, your tree needs fertilization. That’s easy, right? Well…not necessarily. First, you need to know if the tree is healthy or diseased. If a tree is sick or is dealing with an infestation of insects, fertilizer can make things worse. For example, let’s say you have a hemlock tree dealing with an infestation. If you apply a fertilizer that has a base of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, you’ve just created an all-you-can-eat buffet, since the insects devour the nitrogen in the fertilizer. Not such a great move.

Along with that, you can just use any old kind of fertilizer, right? Again, not necessarily. Smart arborists use the right kind of fertilizer based on the health of the tree, the kind of tree, and its specific tree care needs. If there are certain mineral deficiencies, the tree might need fertilizer rich in micronutrients. If the tree needs to have the roots strengthened or lengthened, there are fertilizers with biostimulants that do precisely that.

There’s more to tree fertilization than meets the eye, which is why it’s wise to contact the tree service professionals at Ocean Tree Care. With over a decade of combined experience, we’re trained to examine trees, shrubs, and their surrounding environments, and then apply fertilizers that are right for them.

For more information, or to schedule our fertilization service, Contact Us today!