Fertilizing Trees in the Fall

15 years ago

Does anyone fertilize their trees in the fall in our cold climate?

I realize nitrogen would be bad but what about a fertilizer without it? What about 3 year old compost?

I planted 3 trees and 6 shrubs within the last month or so, and would like to give them the best chance at surviving the winter. I gave them a bit of 5-15-5 when I planted them. Will that be sufficient?

Also, after their leaves fall (they're still green) should I give them a good watering?

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Comments (2)

oilpainter
15 years ago
Don't fertilize trees in fall. They are going into dormancy and don't need fertilizer and won't take it up. Spring is the best time to fertilize--when it's leafing out and you see new growth.

Compost would be Ok but more for a mulch than the nutrients.

When I am planting trees, I usually fill the hole with water and let it soak into the ground. Then I put a couple of handfuls of bone meal in the hole. Then plant the tree or shrub.

Right now what they need is water. You want the roots to spread out and settle into the ground and soft soil makes it easier to do that. You also want the roots to take up enough moisture to sustain them for the winter.
shazam_z3
15 years ago
You can use 0-10-10 - Alaska Morbloom.

You can apply compost at any time during the year.
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