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As the rich colors of summer begin to fade into the warm, golden hues of autumn, you might think your yard work is winding down for the year. However, this transition period is one of the most important times for tree care. During the fall season, trees are actively preparing for the dormant season ahead, storing up energy to survive the winter and fuel a vibrant burst of growth in the spring. Strategic fertilization can support these efforts in a powerful way.
If you’re ready to give your trees the best care this season, contact All About Trees. Our certified arborists know exactly how to fertilize your trees in the fall to ensure they receive the nutrients they need to weather winter’s chill.
The Top Reasons Fall Is the Best Time for Tree Fertilization
Throughout the hot summer, trees have expended tremendous energy on leaf growth, flowering, and fruiting. As temperatures cool and daylight shortens, they redirect that energy toward root development and nutrient storage. Applying fertilizer in the fall supports this natural process in several important ways:
Promotes Robust Root Development
In the fall, the ground remains warm enough for roots to stay active even as the canopy begins to go dormant. And a well-timed fertilizer application during this time gives roots the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium they need to grow deeper and stronger. By the time the ground does freeze, your trees will be properly anchored and ready to absorb more nutrients in the spring.
Aids in Recovery From Summer Stress
The summer can be a stressful time for trees due to heat, drought, pests, and diseases. Fall fertilization helps the tree recover from this stress, repair any damage, and fortify its defenses before entering dormancy.
Builds Energy Reserves for Winter
The nutrients absorbed by the roots in autumn are stored as energy reserves in the form of starch. These reserves are critical for the tree’s survival during the harsh winter months when it can’t produce food through photosynthesis. This stored energy helps the tree withstand freezing temperatures, winter drought, and strong winds.
Fuels a Strong Start in Spring
When spring arrives, the tree draws upon these stored energy reserves to fuel its initial growth spurt. This results in earlier leaf-out, more vibrant foliage, and enhanced flowering. So, remember: a well-fed tree in the fall is a healthier, more beautiful tree in the spring.
Deep-Root Fertilization vs. Soil Amendments: What’s the Difference?
When discussing tree nutrition, you might hear the terms “deep-root fertilization” and “soil amendments.” While both methods are aimed at improving tree health, they are distinct. For example, deep-root fertilization involves injecting a liquid, nutrient-rich fertilizer directly into the ground so that the fertilizer reaches the tree’s critical root zone. The process is a highly effective way to address specific nutrient deficiencies quickly and helps to aerate compacted soil.
Soil amendments, on the other hand, focus on improving the overall quality of the soil by adding organic material like compost, mulch, or biochar to the soil surface. While soil amendments do add nutrients, their release is much slower. That’s why we often recommend deep-root fertilization in the fall over soil amendments.
Of course, both methods for feeding trees are valuable. In many cases, a combination of deep-root fertilization and soil amendment treatments is needed for sustained growth and health.
Should You Use Synthetic or Organic Tree Fertilizers in the Fall?
When it comes to fall tree fertilization, the type of fertilizer used is just as important as the timing of the application. Depending on your tree’s specific needs and the condition of your soil, a certified arborist may recommend synthetic fertilizers, organic fertilizers, or a combination of both.
- Synthetic Fertilizers: These manufactured products contain concentrated, water-soluble minerals and quickly release specific nutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium) into the soil. This makes them highly effective for quickly correcting a known nutrient deficiency. However, they don’t improve soil structure and, if over-applied, can potentially harm the beneficial microorganisms living in the soil.
- Organic Fertilizers: Organic fertilizers are derived from natural materials such as compost, manure, bone meal, or seaweed extract. They release nutrients slowly as they are broken down by soil microbes and eventually improve overall soil health.
How to Tell if Your Trees Need Fertilization This Fall
Not sure if your trees need fertilizing this fall? Here are some common indicators that they might benefit from extra nutrients:
- Slow or Stunted Growth: If your tree hasn’t produced much new growth this year, it could be due to nutrient deficiencies in the soil.
- Discolored or Small Leaves: Yellowing leaves or smaller-than-usual foliage may signal a lack of nitrogen, magnesium, or other key nutrients.
- Premature Leaf Drop: If your trees shed their leaves earlier than expected, they may be under stress or struggling to access nutrients.
- Sparse Canopy: A thin canopy or bare branches can point to root issues or depleted soil fertility.
- Poor Flowering or Fruiting: Nutrient-poor soil can limit a tree’s ability to produce blooms or fruit.
- Visible Signs of Stress: Cracked bark, dead branches, or pest infestations are often secondary symptoms of poor nutrition.
If you’re still unsure, our ISA-certified arborists can perform a soil test to identify exactly what nutrients are lacking and recommend a customized fall tree fertilization plan.
Simplify Your Fall Tree Care With All About Trees
We understand that it can be confusing to know when and how to schedule different tree care services throughout the year, from pruning and pest management to fertilization and rootwork. Fortunately, our ISA-certified arborists are here to simplify the process.
We’ll create a custom plant health care plan tailored to your property’s unique landscape, soil type, and tree species so that your trees will continue to grow and thrive throughout the upcoming years.
Ready to prepare your trees for a healthy winter and a spectacular spring? Contact All About Trees in Springfield, MO, today to schedule your fall tree fertilization service!