Fertilizing Fruit Trees

Fruit trees should be fertilized at least twice a year – spring and fall. A mature fruit tree should receive one to two pounds of actual nitrogen per year plus equivalent amounts of phosphorus and potassium. For example, if you use an all purpose garden fertilizer, say a 16-16-16, that means that 16% of what is in the bag is nitrogen. Therefore, the tree should receive approximately six pounds of this formulation of fertilizer per year. Apply three pounds in the spring (late Feb-Mar) and the second three pounds in the fall (late Sept-Oct). The fertilizer should be applied evenly over the root system of the tree out to the dripline. Even slightly beyond the dripline is OK as tree roots often extend well beyond the dripline. If the tree is on bare ground, cultivate the fertilizer into the soil an inch or two and apply water as you would for a normal irrigation. If your tree is growing in a lawn, the grass will rob most of a broadcast application of fertilizer. Therefore, I suggest “feeding stations” for fertilizer application. Set up a grid around the tree. Make a circle three feet from the trunk. At three feet spacings on this circle bore a one-inch diameter hole approximately six to eight inches deep. Apply one-quarter to one-half cup of fertilizer to each hole. Make a second circle six feet from the trunk and repeat the boring and application process. Make a third circle, etc., until you reach the dripline of the tree.