Garden
What Is the Best Fertilizer for Fruit Trees?
Use 10-10-10 in early spring before bud break. Young trees need 1/10 lb nitrogen per year of age. Mature bearing trees need 0.5-1 lb actual nitrogen per year. Base your application rate on previous year's shoot growth, 12-18 inches means nutrition is adequate. Espoma Tree-tone (6-3-2) is a popular organic option.
What You Need to Know
Fruit tree fertilization depends on tree age and growth rate rather than a fixed calendar schedule. Young non-bearing trees should produce 15-30 inches of new shoot growth per year, while mature bearing trees target 8-15 inches. If growth is within range, your current feeding is adequate. Apply 10-10-10 in early spring, in a ring from 1 foot out from the trunk to just past the drip line.
Sources
Source:Penn State Extension
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