Walking alongside a wall of vibrant green arborvitaes makes it easy to fall in love with the plants’ scale-like leaves and woodsy scent. When you consider that they grow about a foot per year, you can see why gardeners and landscapers use them to add privacy and beauty. But how do these trees stay so green?
Planting them in the right environment is one part of maintaining vibrant leaves, but it is also vital to ensure that plants can access the right type and amount of nutrients. That’s where fertilization comes into play. stay with me for learn everything you need to know about arborvitae fertilization.
Arborvitae Basics
Arborvitae (western yours) is an evergreen tree native to eastern Canada and parts of the northeastern United States. People also refer to these plants as northern white cedar and eastern white cedar.
Since this tree has dense evergreen foliage, it is a popular choice for privacy hedges and windbreaks. That’s why you often see rows of arborvitaes separating yards and lining property lines. However, lacy foliage looks just as beautiful in freestanding plantings.
Does Arborvitae need fertilizer?
The short answer is yes. If you hope to keep your arborvitae healthy for more than a few years, fertilizer is key. However, the long answer is more complex.
While all plants need various nutrients to thrive, it is not always necessary to add fertilizers to supply them. Most soil contains a basic level of elements due to naturally occurring minerals, decaying organic matter, and other substances. This base level of nutrients is usually enough to supply plants with some nutrients, which is one of the reasons why fertilizers do not always contain micronutrients such as boron and copper.
However, in most situations, arborvitae will benefit from regular doses of fertilizer because native soil doesn’t always have everything it needs. Adding fertilizer once a year will replenish the nutrients the plants consumed the previous year, allowing them to grow well and stay healthy.
The Best Types of Fertilizers for Arborvitae
If you walk down the nutrient aisle of a garden store or search for products online, you will quickly discover that you have a batch of options to choose from. Different products contain different amounts of nutrients, so you can’t simply swap one option for another.
When it comes to arborvitae, look for a “complete” fertilizer which contains the three plant macronutrients: nitrogen (n), phosphorus (P)and potassium (K). Each of these nutrients plays an important role in plant health, which is why plants require large amounts to stay healthy. Nitrogen is a key component of chlorophyll and proteins, phosphorus helps plant growth and the transfer of genetic material, and potassium moves water and nutrients through the plant.
Arborvitae prefer higher amounts of nitrogen and lower amounts of phosphorus and potassium. Look for a product with an NPK ratio like 10-4-4 or 11-5-5.
In addition to considering the NPK ratio, pay attention to the type of fertilizer. Since arborvitae plants require a constant supply of nutrients throughout the growing season, Slow release fertilizers are a great option.. These products gradually release their nutrients over several months, so you can apply them once a year to meet the plant’s nutrient needs year-round.
Another thing to consider is whether you prefer organic or synthetic fertilizers. Both options provide the same types of nutrients, but they are made from different materials and are available to plants at different times. Organic fertilizers consist of natural materials such as rock dust and chicken feathers, while synthetic ones come from a laboratory.
Synthetic fertilizers tend to be quick-release, but they dissipate quickly in the soil and sometimes leach into waterways. Organic fertilizers typically release nutrients slowly and are less likely to leach.
Finally, think about which way you prefer. Granular fertilizers They come in a solid form that you can easily spread on the ground. Another suitable option is fertilizer spikes that you insert into the ground. Some people think fertilizer spikes are easier to apply, but they are also more expensive than granular products.
When to fertilize Arborvitae
He Spring is the best time to fertilize arborvitae. Try to feed your plants before they grow new ones or at the time when the plants are producing new green stems. Fertilizing just once in the spring will provide your plants with enough nutrients to last the entire growing season.
Avoid applying after the first day of summer, as this can cause plants to develop new growth late in the season. This late emerging growth is more likely to be damaged by low temperatures.
It is not necessary to add nutrients when planting new arborvitae trees. Adding fertilizer during this time can damage these new plants.. If you notice that your newly planted arborvitae is stunted or discolored, don’t worry. It may take a few months for new plants to adapt to their new environment.
How to fertilize the tree of life
When it’s time to fertilize, follow these steps.
Perform a soil test
Taking soil samples and sending them to a laboratory allows you to know exactly what nutrients your soil contains. In addition, it informs you of the pH of the soil, which greatly influences the availability of nutrients.
Since trees like arborvitaes have deep root systems, your soil samples should contain the top 12 inches of soil. While a specialized soil probe is the easiest way to obtain a soil sample, you can also use a shovel to collect the top soil.
Most soil laboratories will allow you to send a sample and Ask for fertilizer recommendations for specific types of plants.. While you may not be able to ask for recommendations for arborvitae, you can probably ask for suggestions for coniferous trees in general.
Choose the right type of fertilizer
If you have taken a soil sample, use it to select a fertilizer that meets your plant’s nutrient needs. But if you’ve chosen to forgo soil sampling, choose a complete fertilizer with higher amounts of nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium.
I recommend a slow release granular fertilizersince it is easy to apply and provides your plants with a continuous supply of nutrients.
Water if necessary
Adding fertilizer to drought-affected trees carries an increased risk of fertilizer burn. If the soil is dry when you plan to feed the plant, water until moist.
Apply around the base of the trees.
Selecting the right type of fertilizer is just one aspect of supplying arborvitae with the right amount of nutrients. You should also make sure you apply the proper dosage! Applying too much fertilizer can cause just as many problems as adding too little, so don’t assume more fertilizer is better.
Most fertilizer labels will provide application instructions in pounds per square foot. When it comes to trees like arborvitaes, Consider the total canopy area of the plant rather than the trunk area..
Measure the appropriate amount of granular fertilizer and sprinkle it around the perimeter of the tree. If using fertilizer tips, refer to the product instructions and apply the appropriate amount around the base of the tree. While you can water in the fertilizer after applying it, this is not necessary.
Final thoughts
Applying annual doses of a The right fertilizer can help keep arborvitae plants healthy.. Remember to choose a balanced fertilizer and apply it during spring.
