| Home
> Ask the Experts > Fertilizing |
|
|
|
|
|
Question
|
|
Should I be using
fertilizing for my tree?
|
|
Answer
|
|
Fertilizing is an
integral part of a comprehensive elm care program. Elms
trees that live in a city lack some of the nutrients it needs to
truly do well.
|
| Question |
|
Will my lawn fertilizer
help my elm tree?
|
| Answer |
|
Probably not. Lawn
fertilizer has several characteristics which make it undesirable
for elms. First, it's generally in a granular
formulation. For trees, you want a fertilizer you can put
into the ground. Secondly, the formulations often include
chemicals to kill weeds. This can be harmful for the
tree. Thirdly, grass competes with a tree for available
nutrients. Because of this, nutrients will be absorbed by
the grass before they can penetrate the soil to the tree's
roots. You should use a fertilizer specially formulated for
trees.
|
|
Question
|
|
When should I fertilize
my elm?
|
|
Answer
|
|
Fertilization
should be done in the spring or the fall. Fall is very good
because there is a lot of moisture in the ground and the roots are
very active.
|
| Question |
|
What formulation would
you recommend for an elm tree?
|
| Answer |
|
A 5-10-10 or 6-12-12
fertilizer would be ideal for an elm. The first number is
the proportion of Nitrogen. You don't want as much Nitrogen
because that is the mineral that promotes new growth. If you
have too much new growth, the tree can't focus as much on other
important tasks such as building up its defense mechanism.
|
If your question isn't
answered here, send it to us!
Or visit the fertilizing
section of elmcare.com. |
