Deep Root Fertilization
Austin, Texas Deep root fertilization of my trees - how to fertilize my trees in Austin when to fertilize live oak trees in Austin Texas Certified Arborist tree care service masters
Deep-root Fertilization
Let's
face it, trees and shrubs need
a balanced nutrient mix for proper growth and survival-- just like we need a
balanced mix of vitamins and minerals in our diets. In a natural setting,
trees are fed by the rich blanket of humus on the forest floor. However, in
our urban landscaped environment, fertilizer is needed
to take the place of
this natural food.
Our urban landscape
also imposes additional stresses on trees and shrubs that are not a concern
in the forest setting. Stress caused compacted soils, air pollution, road
salts, poor drainage, and competition with turf grasses can impair the
health and ultimately the growth of the tree. Without realizing it, our
stressed trees are becoming more and more susceptible to infestation by
insects and disease, further compounding the restricted grow. With that in
mind, one of the best ways we can help our landscape plants grow healthier
and to make them more resistant to pest infestation, is to ensure they
receive a proper supply of nutrients.
This
is the most
effective method to fertilize trees. This process injects a water and
fertilizer mixture under high pressure 8 to 10 inches below the soil
surface, right where the feeder roots are. The injections are placed in a
grid pattern in and around the tree's drip line. There are many advantages
to fertilizing this way. The high pressure injection forces the water
fertilizer mix throughout the root zone, which not only feeds all the roots,
but also reduces soil compaction and encourages additional root zone
aeration. Depending upon your plant varieties, and their general state of
health, this deep root injection fertilizer technique may be suggested at
various times throughout the season, although, spring and fall are generally
the best times of the season.
Even though
your trees and shrubs may appear to "look healthy" today,
Call us for an analysis and our recommendations
on a Deep Root Fertilization program to help keep them healthy and
strong for years to come.
Tree
roots perform many functions. The Primary roots grow down into the
soil to provide the anchor to hold the tree upright. Secondary roots
branch off and extend radially and horizontally and form the basis of the
moisture and nutrient gathering system for the tree. Tertiary roots
are the ephemeral absorbing roots eventually branch off into clusters of
Rootlets, or fine hair like feeder roots. It is these feeder roots, in
conjunction with natural mycorrhizial fungi in the soil that break down the
nutrients found in the soil, and begin to transport them with the tree
system.
While the primary
and secondary roots can be found rather deep in the soil, the tertiary and
feeder roots will be relatively close to the soil surface. These roots will
grow horizontally, to just beyond the outer drip line of the crown or
foliage. This is where we must concentrate applying fertilizer for the trees
to benefit the most.
These applications
are usually timed for late fall and/or early spring. It is important to
remember that tree roots remain active year round and the tree will benefit
from these fertilizations even though rge tree may appear dormant. Most trees prefer a fertilizer with a 2-1-1
ratio, such as 10-5-5.
Fertilizers must be placed where the tree can get them, and it's important
not to place them too shallow or deep --- remember that most tree roots are
within 12" to 18" of the soil surface. Tree size and fertilizer analysis
will dictate the actual amount of fertilizer we apply. To help prevent
groundwater contamination, we don't apply quick release fertilizers when
roots aren't active and nutrients will "leach" out of the root zone (winter)
.
Why fertilize a tree? If you fertilized your lawn, you may not have
fertilized your trees. Tree care companies have specialized equipment that
can deliver fertilizer right where the trees need it – the tree’s root zone,
just below your lawn’s root zone. In forests, trees shade out grass and
other plants so the tree’s roots don’t have to compete with roots of other
plants. Trees are free to absorb all the nutrients they need. Your lawn is a
harsher environment for trees. In your lawn, trees must compete with grass
roots for valuable nutrients. When you drop fertilizer on top of your lawn,
the grass receives most of the benefits. A different type and method of
fertilization is used to fertilize trees than what is used to fertilize
lawns, since trees don’t grow the same as grass. For trees, slow release
fertilizer is applied directly to the tree roots, just below the grass
roots. This can be done with special liquid fertilizers injected into the
soil (sometimes called “deep-root fertilization”) or dry fertilizers poured
into holes drilled into the root zone of the tree. Trees also respond to
fertilizer differently than your grass. Over-fertilization can create tree
health problems, so the need for fertilization should be determined by
measuring annual growth, checking visual symptoms and/or chemically
analyzing the soil or tree leaves. Tree fertilization should be done
according to ANSI A300 Part 2 standards for tree fertilization.
A300 is the tree care industry’s standards for tree maintenance. Here part of whatA300 says about fertilizing trees:
1. A
soil or foliage analysis should be done determine what nutrients are missing
2. Slow-release fertilizer is preferred
3. Fertilizer ratio should be 3:1:1 or 3:1:2, or adjusted for local
conditions
4. 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen should be applied per 1000 square feet
5. Sub-surface (Deep Root) fertilization is preferred when lawn grass
is present
6. The fertilization area must be known before fertilizing
7. Fertilizer holes or injection sites must be evenly spaced in the
fertilization area
8. Fertilizer must be evenly distributed in the holes or injection sites
Helpful Tips
How to Care for your St Augustine Lawn
Care for your St. Augustine lawn
Tips on caring for St. Augustine...
config
view
logs
9472.0 KB
117 ms
