Property owners on Florida’s Gulf Coast work hard to grow and maintain beautiful and healthy trees. Nutrition is the key to robust tree health in our climate, and that means much more than just sun and water.
Tri-State Tree Service is the leading tree service company in Crestview, FL. Keep reading for details on what you should know about tree fertilization in our region.
Why Trees Need Fertilization
Native trees have evolved to flourish in their natural settings. In developed areas, like residential properties, trees face additional competition from grass, shrubs, and other plants. The development itself alters soil composition and drainage, which also directly affects nutrition.
Malnourished trees suffer from overall poor health and stunted growth. Fertilization helps correct these issues by enhancing soil health and nutrient absorption.
Key Benefits of Tree Fertilization
Proper fertilization helps every tree species across the Florida Panhandle in multiple ways.
Nutrient Absorption
Fertilizers supply essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that trees need to flourish. In regions like ours with sandy soil, nutrients often quickly leach away through subsurface drainage. Proper fertilization and drainage management techniques are essential for delivering the food trees require at the time they need it most.
Soil Health
Healthy soil creates the ideal foundation for tree growth. Fertilization not only replenishes depleted nutrients but also improves soil health. Proper moisture retention and pH levels promote superior nutrient availability.
Root Development
Strong roots anchor trees and allow them to access water and minerals deep within the soil. Fertilizers that promote quality root development promote long-term stability and proper growth over the long term.
Types of Fertilizers and Techniques
Homeowners have a wide variety of fertilization options for the species typically found in our coastal region. Organic fertilizers, like compost, manure, or bone meal, release nutrients gradually and improve soil gradually over time.
Expert arborists recommend using different fertilization techniques, including:
- Broadcast spreading: Distributing granular fertilizer around a tree’s base and root zone
- Soil injection: Injecting liquid fertilizer directly into the root zone for maximum absorption
- Foliar spray: Spraying liquid fertilizer onto the leaves for quick results — though this method works best as a short-term solution
Seasonal Application: When To Fertilize
Timing plays a crucial role in effective tree fertilization.
Trees benefit from seasonal application that targets specific nutrients during different growth phases:
- Spring: Fertilize early to stimulate leaf and branch growth.
- Summer: Apply lighter doses to maintain tree health during hot months.
- Fall: Fertilize with phosphorus and potassium to encourage strong roots before the winter dormant period.
Time fertilization correctly to make sure your trees receive the nutrients they need when they need them most.
Call Tri-State Tree Service for Comprehensive Tree Care in Crestview
Homeowners in Crestview, Florida, can enjoy healthy and beautiful trees by focusing on nutrient absorption, improving soil health, and encouraging root development.
If you are ready to work with Florida’s top plant healthcare specialists, contact us at Tri-State Tree Service at (850) 876-8003 to set up a tree fertilization consultation today.
