Posted on June 27, 2023 by Van Becelaere Greenhouse

Trees are a symbiotic part of our environment, providing us with:

• Clean air
• Wildlife habitat
• Shade
• Air filtration
• Cooling

Like other living organisms, trees require proper care to ensure their health and growth. One crucial aspect of tree care is fertilization. But choosing the right fertilizer for trees is as complex as the nutrients in the soil, which ensures the tree has access to all the vital elements it needs for optimal growth, whether that is from:

• Groundwater hydration
• Nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) elements
• Fungal network

Fertilizing your trees help improve their overall health and appearance. It can also increase their resistance to diseases and pests, making them more resilient in adverse weather conditions. Organic fertilizers are an excellent choice for those who want to promote healthy tree growth without using harmful chemicals.

In today’s blog, we’ll explore why fertilizing your trees is essential, how it can benefit your tree’s health and growth, and what types of organic fertilizers you can use to ensure the best results. So whether you’ve already fertilized your trees this season or forgot, there is still time to get those trees fertilized.

Different Types of Tree Fertilizers

Fertilizers are essential in tree care and maintenance, providing the necessary nutrients for trees to grow healthy and strong. Various types of fertilizers are available on the market, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Organic Fertilizers

Using organic fertilizers made from raw materials such as compost, manure, or bone meal is highly appealing to many home gardeners. Organic fertilizers have become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people are looking for environmentally friendly and sustainable options for their gardens and farms.

Unlike chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers get produced from natural sources such as:

• Compost tea
• Bone meal
• Fish emulsion
• Seaweed extract
• Mushroom Compost
• Cow Manure

Any organic fertilizers are an excellent choice for fertilizing trees since the organics release nutrients slowly over time, improving soil health. A famous store-bought brand is the Espoma Organic Tree-tone Fertilizer, which contains natural ingredients like feather meal and bone meal that promote healthy root growth.

Overall, organic fertilizers offer many benefits over chemical fertilizers, including reduced environmental impact and increased plant resilience. By using the natural sources listed above to fertilize trees, you can create a healthier garden while also protecting trees for future generations.

Inorganic Fertilizers

On the other hand, inorganic fertilizers are made from synthetic materials and provide a quick boost of nutrients to trees. However, they can be harmful to the environment if overused.

Inorganic fertilizers are widely used in modern agriculture to enhance crop yields and meet the growing demands on the food supply chain. Most inorganic fertilizers contain NPK elements, supplying essential nutrients to plants to help them grow faster and more robust.

Unlike organic fertilizers, chemical fertilizers are manufactured, including:

• Urea
• Slow-release
• Liquid
• Granular

While inorganic fertilizers have many benefits for crop production, they also have some potential drawbacks. Overuse or improper application can lead to soil degradation and environmental pollution. Therefore, home gardeners and farmers need to use these fertilizers responsibly and follow proper guidelines for their application.

Here are a few popular store-bought brands:

• Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n Feed Continuous (slow) Release Plant Food
• Nature Hills Nursery Nutri-Pak Fertilizer: a pre-measured slow-release packet that fertilizes for up to two years
• BioAdvanced Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed: a liquid fertilizer that protects trees against pests and diseases
• Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer: a granular fertilizer formulated for fruit and citrus trees

Choosing the correct type of fertilizer depends on various factors such as tree species, soil type, climate conditions, and nutrient requirements. It is essential to consult with a professional arborist or horticulturist before selecting a fertilizer for your trees.

Find Me a Local Garden Resource Center for Tree Fertilizers

If you are searching for a local garden resource center that carries tree fertilizers in Southeast Kansas, specifically in Pittsburg, you have come to the right place. Finding a reliable source of tree fertilizers can be crucial for maintaining the health and growth of your trees. 

Fortunately, Van Becelaere Greenhouse in Pittsburg, Kansas, offers a variety of fertilizers suitable for different types of trees. Their knowledgeable staff members are skilled gardeners and horticulturists that can talk with you about the best tree fertilizers they carry on hand or what they can get ordered for you.

Contact the team at Van Becelaere Greenhouse today by calling 620-231-1127.