Fertilization sounds like an easy way to help your trees grow healthy and stay in the best possible shape. But trees are complex living organisms and throwing fertilizer around them every spring without knowing what they really need can be detrimental to their health and growth. Below, this tree care contractor in Highland Park, Illinois is going to explore some of the key things you should know when it comes to fertilization.
A tree’s environment impacts its growth.
Trees that grow in urban and suburban environments, like in Highland Park, have it rougher than trees that grow in forests or parks. This is because they are surrounded by pavement that can restrict their root growth and road salt that can damage their leaves and roots. Construction in the area makes the problem of compacted soil even worse, which is not good for trees either.
Fertilization can certainly help your trees, but it is not a magical solution to all the tree problems. Different trees, like different people, have different needs. For example, a sugar maple tree has entirely different needs than a crabapple or a big oak tree.
You can consider getting a soil test because it gives you an accurate diagnosis of the specific conditions that are affecting your trees. When you know exactly what is going on with your trees, you will not waste money on treatments that don’t help or could even cause harm to your trees or the surrounding landscape.
Fertilizing without reason can do more harm than good.
Not all trees need fertilizer. As a matter of fact, fertilizing for the wrong reasons can do more harm than good. Fertilizer is only beneficial for the tree when there is clear evidence of a nutrient deficiency that matches your tree’s specific needs. It is not a band-aid for every instance of yellowing leaves or periods of slow growth.
Take nutrient deficiencies, for example. If your tree’s leaves are turning yellow or the tree appears to have stopped growing, a soil test can confirm if fertilization would help. But if the problem comes from an improper soil pH balance or root damage, adding fertilizer may not be effective and could worsen the signs of nutrient deficiency.
An experienced tree care contractor in Highland Park, Illinois can run proper assessments and testing to accurately diagnose the problem that is affecting your tree and recommend the best course of action.
Fertilization does not fix every tree problem.
Many homeowners assume fertilization will fix every tree problem, but that is just not true. Newly planted trees, for example, don’t need fertilizer because their roots are still trying to get established. Fertilizing too soon can make the roots weak and result in overly aggressive top growth.
Similarly, fertilizing a tree with damaged roots is not going to encourage much recovery. Damaged roots need better soil conditions, regular watering, and maybe some mulch around it, not nutrients they cannot even absorb.
Another common misconception is that adding fertilizer can fix poor soil pH. Although some nutrient deficiencies do stem from pH issues, adjusting the soil’s pH is a better approach than fertilizing. It’s best to consider working with an experienced tree care contractor who is aware of these nuances.
Tree care is best left to a professional arborist.
Fertilizing your trees without knowing what they need is risky business. It could hurt your trees, waste your money, and add harmful chemicals to the environment. It is always best to work with an experienced tree care contractor in Highland Park, Illinois. A professional arborist will assess your trees’ health, test the soil, and find out exactly what your trees need or don’t need.
And do you have time to cater to your tree’s demands on your own? All those days of research, those endless trips to the garden centers and all that guessing, it is not exactly straightforward either. Save yourself the frustration and leave your tree care in the hands of an experienced arborist.
Looking for a Tree Care Contractor in Highland Park, Illinois?
Are your trees looking sick? Are you unsure if fertilization will help? Instead of guessing, you can always ask a professional tree care contractor for help. Are you ready to get in touch with the best tree care contractor in Highland Park, Illinois? If so, look no further than our team at Brown Tree Service. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and let our expert arborists help your trees thrive.
