You have to know whether the fertilizer used for the trees is actually suitable or not. This type of considerations does not always bid well if we avert the basic facts.
So, instead of roaming in the market wondering what to get for the lovely trees, you should learn the types of tree fertilizer and their uses. It is the least you can do as a gardener for the living and thriving trees in the back yard or an orchard.
Whether it is for industrial or private use, one cannot ignore the fact that fertilizers are essential. But what type and how do we distinguish among them?
Let us find out more!
Usually, there are two significant distinctions among the nature of the fertilizers. These are organic and inorganic, which are explained in detail below.
Common Types of Fertilizers and Their Uses for Trees
Organic Fertilizers
What does organic mean? That is right; organic fertilizers are composed naturally. Therefore, you will not find any trace of chemical elements to speed up the growth process.
Utilizing natural materials as composts have its perks despite the slow progression. Do not lose patience in this type of nourishment. Organic fertilizers are made from other plants and animal manures.
This is why they are often expensive and difficult to acquire. However, they can change the health of the trees once applied. Even though the feeding is tedious, the general NPK ratio estimation delivers splendid nutrient conditions for the soil.
The good news is that organic fertilizers are easy to compost at home. It can make your garden unique and save a few bucks. Nevertheless, it will be time-consuming.
Inorganic Fertilizers
This type of fertilizer is typically available in the marketplace and offers various ratio numbers, depending on what the trees require most. Inorganic fertilizers have a calculated amount of NPK elements.
These elements are called nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The packages/containers have different numbers to deliver specific nutrient balance and not a percentage more. Besides, it tends to have faster outcomes than organic ones.
Inorganic fertilizers are the best way to encourage healthy growth by inexperienced gardeners. Not being organic does not make them any less effective. They are not harmful to the trees either.
It is the perfect way to boost plant growth within a short period.
Other Types of Tree Fertilizers
Some fertilizers offer an NPK ratio with one or two elements missing. You are to apply such products only when the trees show deficiency of that particular property. Let us talk about that!
Nitrogen
No matter what fertilizer you choose to purchase, nitrogen must never be omitted. It is the essential nutrient responsible for that push each tree needs to continue growing.
Just as humans require all sorts of nutritional food to grow an inch or two during the tween stage, trees are no different. Using nitrogen-based fertilizers will ensure a longer lifespan of a mid-staged tree.
It is during this stage the trees face changes, including stem developments and forming new leaves. Nitrogen source encourages these changes to spread and make the trees taller with required sustenance.
Phosphate
You should get fertilizer with an increased phosphorus ratio only when the trees show signs of frail progress. This element will help strengthen the overall tree roots and other stems.
Some fertilizer products often show a low number of phosphate in the NPK group. It is because the tree already contains sufficient P elements, over-application can damage the tree altogether.
However, you should use phosphorus-based fertilizers if you notice the trees are growing but with lower height, underdeveloped, or low root growth. It improves the budding, fruiting, or seeding of the trees to a significant amount as well.
Remember that this element might not be the fastest-acting remedy, but it sure lasts the longest.
Potassium
Fertilizers with a higher amount of potassium are the best way to protect your trees from diseases and unwanted insects. The nutrient works hard to restore the vitality and strength lost while fighting against these matters.
It is better to apply this fertilizer near the tree roots. Without the presence of potassium, the leaves will turn brown and eventually die unless treated. Even the yellowed leaves are signs of potassium deficiency.
You must use a fertilizer with a moderately high K ratio element to eliminate other nutrient deprivation. This will improve the roots to grow deeper and slow the spread of the infection effectively.
Final Words
It is not rocket science to understand what the trees need the most. But it could get tricky if you continue to feed the wrong fertilizer elements.
That is why knowing the types of fertilizer for tree and its uses can help you in the long run. Each tree in your care demands micro and macronutrients based on the deficiencies found in soil.
So always check on the issues arising externally, like yellowing tips, browning leaves, or even shriveled/dried branches. The clues will be right before your eyes.
Eventually, you can successfully provide the precise fertilizer the trees necessitate. We wish you all the luck!