Thinking about giving your trees a boost with fertilization? It’s a great idea to give them a head start, but is it worth the cost and effort? Here’s a breakdown of whether you need to invest in fertilizer for your native trees.
The Cost of Fertilizing
Fertilizer tablets typically cost between 20 to 30 cents each, and applying them can add a bit of extra labour to your planting. While it may seem like a small investment, it’s worth considering whether it's the best use of your resources.
When Fertilization Makes Sense
For many native tree species, especially those we use in our projects, aggressive growth is already part of their nature. These plants are designed to establish themselves quickly and thrive without additional help. In most cases, we find that our native plants grow robustly and don’t need extra fertilization to get started.
However, there are situations where fertilizing can be beneficial:
Degraded Soil: If your soil is particularly poor in nutrients, fertilizer tablets can give your plants the necessary boost to help them get established.
Landscape Projects: For aesthetic landscape projects where quick growth is desired, adding fertilizer might help achieve that lush look faster.
What to Avoid
It's important to avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers like urea on your trees. While they might promise quick growth, they can actually be harmful and potentially kill your plants. Opt for a proper fertilizer tablet suited for your trees and soil conditions instead.
To Fertilize or Not?
Ultimately, whether or not to fertilize depends on your specific site and goals. If your soil is already fertile and your plants are thriving, the extra expense and effort might not be necessary. However, if you're dealing with poor soil or have specific growth goals, fertilization could be a helpful option.
If you’re considering fertilizing your native trees and want to discuss what might work best for your site and budget, we’re here to help. We can guide you through the options to ensure you spend your resources wisely and achieve a beautiful, thriving native forest.
