It looks like the tree is growing normally so there is no reason to fertilize or prune it at this time. If you fertilize your lawn, there is no reason to fertilize the tree ever. You need to step away from this tree and let it be.

i dont fertilize my lawn. Also, i disagree witb your comment about never needing to fertilize. Every site ive visited has said the contrary.

Fertilizing anything is never a requirement!! Plants growing wild never receive fertilization and they manage to do very well without :-)

Fertilization is only necessary to supplement required plant nutrients that may be deficient in the native soil. However, most soils can readily supply all the nutrients needed for healthy growth without needing to supplement with a packaged fertilizer, especially if the garden is routinely well mulched.

I am a professional horticulturist and in 50 years of gardening both personally and professionally, I have seldom ever fertilized any tree or shrub growing in the ground unless they show obvious signs of a nutrient deficiency. But I do mulch at least annually with nutrient rich compost.

Containerized plants are quite different, as they have no access to inground soil nutrients and potting soil is typically devoid of plant nutrients. The only access to nutrients they have is that from fertilizer supplied by the grower. Annuals can benefit from fertilization as well as because of their very short lifespan and restricted root growth, they use up available soil nutrients at a rapid rate. Not so for trees or shrubs. Only fertilize if and when the plant indicates a need!!

"Every site ive visited has said the contrary."

They're selling fertilizer.

Call your cooperative extension agent.

Do your soil test.

Follow their advice.