Both mature and young trees can benefit from regular fertilizer applications. When you choose organic fertilizers, you get a slow nutrient release that helps the trees over an extended period of time. Professionals offering tree services in Fairfax, VA, can explain the benefits of organic fertilizers.
1. They Improve Overall Soil Health
Organic fertilizers balance the natural soil structure and deliver soil health improvement. Compost and other organic materials retain water when mixed in the soil. They also provide aeration for the soil, further improving its health.
After applying these organic materials, the added moisture and air should foster increased microbial activity in the dirt. As the microorganisms break down, they release nutrients that benefit the tree. They also help earthworms and beneficial insects thrive, further improving soil health.
Nutrient diversity in the soil is another advantage of using organics. They add several different kinds of macronutrients and micronutrients that synthetics don’t provide.
2. They Release Nutrients More Slowly
Synthetic fertilizers are designed to give trees and plants a quick boost of nutrients. However, organics release the nutrients more slowly. This makes nutrients available to the tree’s roots over a longer period of time, meaning you shouldn’t have to apply the fertilizer as often.
By using these slow-release nutrients, you reduce the risk of fertilizer runoff and nutrient leaching. Synthetics dissolve readily in water, so runoff can be more dangerous to nearby water bodies.
3. They’re More Environmentally Friendly
One of the key benefits of organic fertilizers is that they present minimal risk to the environment. If you purchase these materials in bags, there is a small environmental footprint involved in the process of creating retail products. However, they don’t use the same chemicals or complex manufacturing processes that synthetic fertilizers require.
Some people choose to make their own organic fertilizer at home with grass clippings, raked leaves, and composted materials. Using an at-home mixture of organic fertilizer reduces the environmental footprint further.
Synthetic chemical fertilizers can negatively affect the water and environment when over-applied. Organic fertilizers don’t affect the environment the same way if you over-apply them.
4. They Reduce the Risk for Pets and Kids
Organic sources of fertilizer don’t include the same potentially harmful chemicals that synthetic fertilizers have. If you use organics on trees in your yard, and kids and pets are playing near the trees, using organics keeps them safer.
If a child or pet digs into stored synthetic fertilizer in a garage, it can be dangerous. Using organics eliminates this risk, too.
When You Want Tree Fertilization Advice, The Heart of Wood Can Help
If you want a sustainable nutrient source for your trees, our experts at The Heart of Wood can set up a fertilization schedule for you. We can explain the methods behind our tree fertilization guide and the benefits of organic fertilizer. We also offer synthetic fertilizer applications for trees that need a quicker boost of nutrients.
For a free price quote, call us today at (571) 482-0996. We are ready to serve all your tree care needs in Northern Virginia and the Washington, DC, area.