How to Fertilise Newly Planted Trees

Mycorrhizal Rootgrow Fertilizer
 

When planting, we recommend the application of mycorrhiza fungi, in the form of Rootgrow, directly to the root system. This provides a natural way of extracting nutrients from the soil. Mycorrhizal Fungi are widespread throughout nature and are a fundamental reason for normal plant growth and development. In fact 90% of all plants rely on a Mycorrhizal Fungi root system.

The fungi colonise the tree roots, extending the root system into the surrounding soil, via an extensive network of fungal. These thread-like filaments extract nutrients and water from the soil and exchange them for carbon from the plant.

This secondary root system, when established, links the root systems of adjacent plants or trees and helps share, more efficiently, nutrient resources throughout the plant community.
 

Rootgrow is available on-line and from most garden centres. If you have a large project or many trees to plant this season, it is advisable to obtain the Professional Landscaper pack, which we can supply at: Click HERE
 

NOTE: It is important not to apply quick release fertilizer for the first month after planting until the myrorrhizal root system has developed. This is because the plant roots will not stimulate the mycorrhiza spores to germinate and grow if there is a plentiful supply immediately available to the tree from the fertilizer.
 

If you do wish to apply a longer term supply of nutrients for the trees at the same time as planting, then apply either a slow release granular fertilizer, such as Osmacote or Barcham granular fertilizer, or use a well rotted organic manure.

This will enable the tree to absorb nutrients directly, as the nutrients are released, as well as via the developing mycorrhiza around the newly growing root hairs. The slow release of nutrients will still enable the mycorrhizal fungi / tree root symbiotic relationship to develop, and not be inhibited.
 

Additional Slow Release Fertilizer
 

Spring is a great time to fertilize trees. The rush to produce a new flush of leaves is very nutrient demanding and growth is enhanced and maximised if a general purpose fertilizer is applied in May and early June. Make sure your fertilizer contains the minor trace elements such as manganese and magnesium as well as the staple ingredients of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium.
 

As the tree grows, in combination with the mycorrhiza, it will need more nutrients to be added to the soil in the form of fertilizer. Either use a sustainable source of organic matter, soil conditioners or approved slow release fertilizer. T

There are a number of tree fertilizers available on the market, but we recommend a slow release granular fertilizer produced by Barcham, as it has all the nutrients your trees require: Click HERE
 

The fertilizer you apply should be well watered in so the roots can access it and redistribute it throughout the plant. The burst of leaf activity in plants this time of year is coordinated by a corresponding growth in roots so a timely handful of feed can boost the plant greatly and set it up for the rest of the season.
 

 A well-nourished plant can defend itself against most pests and diseases, but when you get to the longest day in June, there is little merit in continuing your feeding regime as trees are already scaling down their activities to prepare for dormancy in the autumn.

Too much nitrogen in the summer months on greedy trees, such as Acer platanoides types, can lead to cells that can shatter in an early frost as their cell walls are weak from gorging themselves full of nutrient rather than hardening off to protect themselves in winter against freezing temperatures. With cells filled with nutrient rich water suddenly freezing, the stems and trunk of your newly planted tree can rupture.
 

Coupled with nutrition, watering is a vital part of an aftercare regime for trees that have been planted within the last couple of years. Little and often is the best way to mimic rain.