Every comprehensive tree care plan should include fertilization. The minerals and nutrients fertilizers deliver are often the boost your trees need to grow as vibrantly as possible.

When determining when to fertilize your trees, several options will come up, including summer. However, given how hot it is, can you safely fertilize trees in summer? Read on as we offer guidelines for fertilizing trees in summer and highlight how you can avoid harmful mistakes by scheduling professional tree services in Washington, DC.

Knowing When Your Trees Need Fertilizer

Your trees will let you know when they aren’t getting all the nutrients they need. For instance, you’ll start noticing:

• Yellowing leaves
• Stunted or slow growth
• Premature leaf drop or a sparse leaf canopy
• Thin new growth
• Weak wood

Spotting such signs, however, is only the first step in determining whether your trees need fertilizer. Conducting a professional soil test is the only way to know for sure.

Summer Tree Fertilization Benefits and Risks

There are plenty of benefits to fertilizing your trees. However, spring and fall are generally the best times of year to do so.

Still, homeowners often ask us, “Can you fertilize trees in summer?” The short answer is yes, but the process isn’t as straightforward as you might think.

On the one hand, fertilizing your trees in summer can give them the nutrients they need to improve their drought resistance and health. On the other hand, because of all the risks, you could end up making things worse if you’re not careful.

The Risks of Fertilizing Trees in Summer

For starters, the fertilizer could burn your trees’ roots. Also, since your trees don’t get much water in summer, they might not be able to absorb nutrients properly, which only stresses them further.

If your trees are well watered, fertilizing them in summer could create a different kind of problem. This is because your trees could develop new growth, which won’t have enough time to harden before winter. As a result, your trees could become more susceptible to damage.

How To Fertilize Trees During Hot Weather

Though far from ideal, if it’s absolutely necessary, you can manage to fertilize your trees in summer safely. You’ll need to pay closer attention to timing and technique.

Here are a few tips that will help you avoid harming your trees when fertilizing in summer:

• Apply the fertilizer either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Water deeply before applying the fertilizer and afterward.
• Never fertilize your trees during or immediately after a drought or heatwave.
• Avoid applying too much fertilizer.

Give Your Trees Everything They Need To Flourish

While your trees need an extra boost every now and then, can you fertilize trees in summer? Yes, you can, but the amount of care and precision needed demands the expertise of certified arborists.

Call The Heart of Wood Tree Service today at (571) 482-0996 for expert fertilization services that will help you fully tap into the many advantages of organic fertilizers.