Lime is applied at this time to adjust pH, so you need to know what that is- either get a kit from your cooperative extension or bring in a sample. If you're in NY they still provide pH tests for about $5- they can provide you with info on how to take a sample as well. You should also consider a wide range soil test which will also include specific fertilizer recommendations.

At this time I give trees that I'm trying to get bigger some N- I do a split very early fall and early spring ap. For trees that cropped well it's a good time to apply some form of potassium if you aren't mulching with lots of woodchips or mellowed stable waste (shavings, manure and urine). Mulched trees may be getting everything they need from that. However you have to be on the lookout for deficiencies if you are not testing your soil and even if you are.

My supplier that has a business with lots of commercial growers sells bags of specially formulated fertilizers for apples and peaches- but these are available only in early spring when most applications are done here. The apple formula has twice the K as N while the peach formula has equal amounts of both. I think they also throw in a little boron for apples. Urea is their N source.

Hman, whats the motive behind fall fertilizing? I figure the best bang for the buck is spring, a lot will wash out over the winter. But I'm sure there is some good reason.

Scott

Scott, the point of fall fertilizing is primarily to get the N to the buds in the fall so in spring the spur leaves will have immediate access. It is also a good time to apply potassium according to Cornell. Spring is often cool and wet so by the time the N gets drawn up it may be many days behind first growth.

I am swamped with things that must be done in spring and right now I'm very slow and need to make work so fall fertilization fills that bill as well.

I am behind the in the overall ph #'s based on soil analysis but the recommendation is that I can only lime so much in a year's time. Can I cheat by applying fall and again in spring? Thanks, Chad

Fall applied lime won't do much until next summer unless it is a very quick acting type. Ground limestone acts over a long time frame. So whether you apply all in fall or split won't be any different.

All can be applied now as long as it's not so much as to raise pH too high.

The things that increase speed of action for ground limestone are having a very fine partical size and though incorporation into the soil.