The Best Apple Tree Fertlizer For Health & Growth

The right fertilizer can make all the difference in cultivating healthy, fruitful apple trees. It isn’t only about which fertilizer you use, but when you apply it and how often.

Since a well-shaded apple tree makes such a stunning impact on residential and commercial properties alike, one of the most common questions we get at SunCo is how to care for these fruit trees.

If you also have that question, you’ve come to the right place. This guide on fertilizing apple trees will explain why you should fertilize, when, and with what.

The Benefits of Fertilizing Apple Trees

Like all plants, a fruit tree needs fertilizer to encourage growth. Skipping out on an application could mean the difference between a healthful, bountiful harvest and one that barely yields any delicious apples.

Check out some reasons to prioritize fertilizing apple trees below.

Healthy Growth

Did you know that with the right care, apple trees can last for 100 years, sometimes longer?

These fruit trees are dependent on fertilization as part of that care. The right tree fertilizer will keep your apple trees healthy season after season and year after year.

Fruit Production

Most people who grow apple trees do so for the fruit yields. However, as mentioned, that yield depends on your fertilizer frequency.

Fertilizer provides a balance of macro- and micronutrients the tree needs to produce more bountiful harvests and larger, healthier, juicier fruit.

Disease Resistance

Apple trees are at risk of a litany of diseases, including fire blight, bitter rot, apple scab, and powdery mildew, among others.

Fertilization helps your trees build up enough energy and strength to resist diseases and stay healthy.

You recognize that fertilization is important, but when should you plan to fertilize your apple tree?

When To Fertilize Apple Trees

The first ideal period is in early spring. Wait until you see buds swelling, but fertilize before the tree shows new growth. This is the sweet spot, especially if you’re using a nitrogen-heavy formula.

However, that’s probably not the only time you’ll feed your apple tree. The next time you’ll pick up the organic fertilizers is in the early summer. Not all trees necessarily require this extra feeding, so inspect yours one by one.

Young trees can usually benefit from a second application, as can trees that are otherwise not doing so great.

For instance, if you suspect a tree has a nutrient deficiency, you should apply fertilizer to those apple trees.

The key when fertilizing apple trees is this: don’t feed them too close to the cold season.

The fertilizer will make your trees grow, but the new growth might not be able to survive the winter frost.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer

With so many fertilizer types on the market, the decision of which is right for your apple trees must be weighed carefully.

Synthetic fertilizers provide fast boosts of nutrients, so if you’re trying to bolster a young tree or save one that’s suffering from a deficiency, this is a wise choice.

Organic fruit tree fertilizer uses natural ingredients, usually bone meal or compost. Some of these are specially formulated for specific types of fruit trees.

You can tend to your landscaped garden with peace of mind as you resume in early spring knowing that you’re working with safe, natural ingredients.

Whether you choose an organic or synthetic product, an apple tree fertilizer should have an even mix of the macronutrients phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium.

You’ll see a 10-10-10 on the label, which denotes how much of each macronutrient the product contains.

However, in some instances, it’s okay to reach for a heavier-duty formula with a 20-20-20 ratio.

The former ratio is better for everyday care, while the 20-20-20 ratio has more nitrogen for faster flourishing and more fruit.

How To Fertilize Apple Trees

Next, let’s explain what’s required to fertilize your apple tree so you can enjoy a bountiful growing season.

Start With a Soil Test

First, it’s time to get to know the soil that surrounds your tree trunk.

Sure, this isn’t directly about applying fertilizer, but it has a lot to do with the steps that will follow. Determining soil pH will gear you toward the right fertilizer.

Believe it or not, you can gauge information like a calcium deficiency from a pH reading. Apple trees need a mildly acidic soil pH to thrive.

If the pH veers too far away from that baseline, the tree might struggle to get the necessary nutrients.

Know What Trees Require By Their Age

The fertilization requirements for young trees differ from mature trees.

Young apple trees only need a light application of fertilizer (organic fertilizer or otherwise).

This feeding will help the fruit tree establish roots and grow healthy and strong. Incorporating compost and other organic matter into the soil will also help.

At this age, trees only need 0.5 pounds of nitrogen per year for however old the tree is. You should not exceed five pounds of nitrogen.

When it comes to more mature trees, the fertilizer formula should contain more phosphorus and potassium.

The goal here is to support ongoing growth and continue with the anticipated fruit yield.

Apply Fertilizer

With all that said, there’s nothing left to do but feed your apple tree. Here are our best fertilization tips:

• Spread the fertilizer around the drip line, which is the outer edge of the tree’s canopy. You can use the trunk diameter as your guide, but keep the fertilizer away from the trunk. The fertilizer could burn the tree.
• Apply fertilizer evenly across the drip line, using a consistent amount.
• Water the soil after fertilizing, providing ample hydration. Watering allows the nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil.

Fruit Tree Needs Are at Your Disposal with SunCo

Fertilizers provide essential nutrients to fruit trees in their younger and more mature stages.

Apple trees benefit from regular feedings with a balanced fertilizer throughout the warmer season. Caring for these beautiful trees could become part of your organic gardening regimen.

Of course, if you have additional questions, such as how much fertilizer is too much, which is the best fertilizer to use, and what to do if you apply too much liquid fertilizer, you can always count on SunCo to help.

Our trained, vastly experienced staff can provide fertilizing services for commercial or residential properties.

You can also depend on us to answer your questions about keeping your trees in healthy condition during the dormant season and especially in periods of growth. Contact us today to learn more!