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Post by dohbezon on Jun 21, 2023 10:49:04 GMT -5
I just planted last weekend 6 thuja green giant arborvitae, 4-5' tall. Planted them in mixed clay/topsoil and have been watering every day, will be going to every other day soon so they search a little for water.
Are you in the camp of don't fertilize AT ALL the first year, or give a little to keep the soil healthy but wait for heavy N after year 1?
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Post by Mumsey on Jun 21, 2023 15:35:36 GMT -5
Depends on the health of your soil and where you live I would say. Here in Iowa we don't ever fertilize trees. Sorry can't help more!
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Post by desertwoman on Jun 21, 2023 15:39:34 GMT -5
I only feed fruit trees, but never the first year, other than the compost I put into the planting hole. They then get fed after the first year - usually twice per growing season. Other (non fruit) trees get compost in the planting hole but no more feeds after that. We don't have the rich soil of Iowa but they do well with compost. I do mulch all trees, which adds some nutrients.
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Post by claude on Jun 26, 2023 8:49:23 GMT -5
I just planted a group of fruit trees…and like M and DW I add compost to the planting hole and that’s it.
However, since the trees you planted are evergreens, the second fall or spring I WOULD use an an acid loving supplement like “Hollytone” to the drip line of evergreens, rhododendrons, azaleas. It just improves the plants ability to absorb nutrients from not so perfect soil.
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Post by beanspepper on Jun 28, 2023 18:31:56 GMT -5
it is generally recommended to avoid fertilizing newly planted trees during the first year. Here's why:
Establishment Period: Newly planted trees need to focus on establishing their root systems in their new environment. Fertilizer, particularly nitrogen (N), can encourage excessive top growth at the expense of root development. During the first year, it is crucial for the roots to grow and spread out to support the tree's long-term health and stability.
Stress Reduction: Transplanting is a stressful process for trees. By refraining from fertilizing during the first year, you can minimize additional stressors and allow the tree to acclimate to its new surroundings without the added burden of processing excess nutrients.
Watering Importance: Watering is more critical than fertilizing during the establishment period. By focusing on proper watering practices, you provide the tree with the necessary moisture for survival and encourage the roots to grow deeper in search of water. Deep, well-established roots will benefit the tree in the long run.
However, it is essential to ensure that your soil is healthy and provides adequate nutrients. You mentioned using mixed clay/topsoil, which is a good start. If you prepared the planting hole with compost or organic matter before planting, that should help improve the soil's fertility.
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Post by lilolpeapicker on Jun 29, 2023 9:55:05 GMT -5
I always believed that you put compost into the hole where you are planting.
And I don't know about others here but I get better growth when I cut it back once planted. I planted 10 trees from an organization(can't remember which as it was so long ago) for Arbor Day. The one that did the best was the tree that one of the neighbor's kids cut back during play. By doing that the growth went into the roots.
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