Grapevine’s Preferred Tree Fertilization Services

While trees make their own food through a process called photosynthesis, which converts sunlight into energy, they also rely on nutrients to grow. Those nutrients come from soil, but not all soil is nutrient-rich or capable of providing the right quantities of nutrients to promote tree health. That’s where tree fertilization comes into play.

What Is Tree Fertilization?

Image via Unsplash by Matthew Smith

Tree fertilization refers to the practice of enriching soil with the nutrients trees need to grow and remain healthy. Fertilizers consist primarily of the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, often in a ratio of 3:1:1. Nitrogen facilitates photosynthesis and protein synthesis. Phosphorous plays a key role in photosynthesis and the tree’s ability to store energy. Potassium helps trees resist disease and bear fruit.

Tree fertilizers also contain a variety of micronutrients, namely boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, silicon, and zinc. In general, a deficiency in micronutrients may lead to an insufficiency of chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis. This results in a tree with dull leaves and stunted growth.

Do Trees Need Fertilizer?

Trees in the wild don’t need fertilizer because their natural habitats are rich in the nutrients they need to thrive. However, trees that grow in residential or urban settings are a different matter. In a person’s front yard, for example, a tree competes for nutrients with the grass and other plants, while the organic matter that could foster healthy tree growth — such as fallen leaves — gets raked up and thrown away. Consequently, the tree doesn’t receive enough of the chemical substances required for optimal health without human intervention with fertilizer.

How To Tell Whether a Tree Needs Fertilization

According to the University of Tennessee System, you can identify nutrient deficiencies in trees by examining their leaves, stems, and bark. Ideally, in spring and summer, the leaves are vibrantly green and voluminous, the stems are full and robust, and the bark is thick and strong. If the tree is nutrient-deficient, however, you may notice the leaves prematurely fading in color, the stem tips and twigs deteriorating, and the bark displaying lesions.

The Benefits of Professional Tree Fertilization

While it’s possible to buy and use fertilizer on your own, doing so may pose risks to your trees if you aren’t familiar with the species you’re dealing with, their specific needs, and the soil conditions. A certified arborist, however, is knowledgeable about these matters and trained in the proper procedures for conditioning the soil and administering the fertilizer. With their expertise, your trees can become more vigorous and resistant to factors that would otherwise cause them harm, such as diseases, pests, and the elements.

TreeNewal is Here to Help

If you need tree fertilization services in Grapevine, we invite you to reach out to us at TreeNewal. Our ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge and experience to ensure that your trees receive the nutrients they need to survive and thrive for many years to come. Drop us a message online or call 817-329-2450 to get started today.