Cherry trees are beautiful and elegant, but they require a lot of care to be able to grow. One of the most important aspects of caring is fertilizer for cherry trees. Fertilizing helps increase the growth rate of plants and improves their health by providing additional nutrition that can’t be obtained from simply relying on mineral nutrients in the soil. In this blog post, we will discuss when and how often you should fertilize your cherry tree, which NPK ratios work best, and what type of fertilizer is right for you!
What are cherry trees and what does it need to grow best?
Cherry trees are flowering trees that come in different shapes and sizes. They are a popular choice for homeowners because of their beautiful blooms and fruit production. In order to grow best, cherry trees need fertile soil with plenty of organic matter, moisture, and sunlight. Proper fertilization is key to maintaining healthy trees and maximizing fruit yields.
When and how to fertilize cherry trees?
To fertilize cherry trees, you should first determine the soil pH. The ideal pH range for cherry trees is between six and seven. If your soil pH is not within this range, you will need to amend it before fertilizing.
You can apply fertilizer in either the fall or spring. In general, most people prefer to fertilize in the spring so that the nutrients are available when the tree begins to grow new leaves. However, if you live in an area with a cold winter, you may want to wait until after the last frost to apply fertilizer so that it does not harm the tree’s roots.
When applying fertilizer, be sure to spread it evenly around the tree and water it in well. You can also mix fertilizer with water and use a garden hose to spray it on the tree.
Fertilizer application rates for cherry trees
The amount of fertilizer you need to apply to your cherry tree will vary depending on the type of fertilizer and your soil conditions. In general, a light application every year is enough for most soils. You can use nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) ratio of around 20-20-20, or something close to that. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
If you have heavy clay soil, then you may need to apply more fertilizer than what is recommended on the package. Sandy soils will also require less fertilization.
Tips on how to maintain healthy, happy cherry trees
- Fertilize your cherry tree twice a year: once in the early spring before new growth begins, and again in midsummer.
- Choose a balanced NPK fertilizer that has an N (nitrogen) rating of 12-0-12 or 14-0-14. This will ensure that your cherry tree receives the nutrients it needs to thrive.
- Water your cherry tree deeply after each fertilization, making sure to saturate the soil around the roots. Doing so will help the fertilizer to reach its target destination and provide immediate nourishment to your tree.