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Rooted In Care - Planting & Fertilizing

by Cheryl Lafferty, CCMGA Master Gardener Intern

As winter fades, trees begin waking up from dormancy, with most growth happening in late spring and early summer. Now is the time to prepare them for a healthy growing season. Depending on your soil type, fertilizing trees in mid-winter through spring will give them the nutrients they need to thrive. However, fertilization should only be done if the tree actually needs it, as over-fertilizing can cause excessive weak growth or environmental runoff issues. A soil test is the best way to determine what and when to fertilize. This prevents over-fertilization or the use of unnecessary nutrients that could be harmful. In North Texas, clay soil often responds well to mid-winter fertilization. It’s easy to get a soil sample test from your local extension service, and it costs very little while providing you with the information you need to make decisions about caring for your trees and lawn. Texas A&M offers a reliable soil testing service (soiltesting.tamu.edu), though other providers are available as well.

Beyond fertilization, trees can show signs of stress, such as early leaf drop or dead branches. Monitoring tree health is just as important as providing nutrients. Before applying fertilizer, check for signs of stress caused by factors such as drought, compacted soil, or pest damage—these may need to be addressed first. Once you have determined the appropriate fertilizer, you can evenly apply it with a spreader and water it to a depth of around six inches. Remember that a tree’s roots do not stop at the drip line (the area directly beneath the outer edge of the canopy) but grow well beyond it in search of stability, water, and nutrients. This means fertilizer should be spread broadly over the root zone rather than concentrated at the base of the trunk. However, the amount of fertilizer you apply is important not only for your tree’s health but also to prevent pollution due to runoff.

Spring is also a good time to assess your tree’s overall health. A tree that has been under stress from heat, sun, and lack of watering is more susceptible to disease. Prune away dead twigs and branches to improve air movement, and hire an arborist to care for the higher branches. Only prune when necessary, as excessive pruning can stress a tree further. Pest infestation is typically cyclical and won’t be much of a problem if the tree is healthy. Before treating for pests, identify the issue first. Many insects benefit the ecosystem, and targeted solutions are more effective than broad pesticide use. Most pests target trees that are already stressed or weakened. Don’t hesitate to contact your local extension office or email CCMGA's Info Center if you have questions. They are a wonderful resource for tree care and many other landscaping issues.

Finally, the best time to plant trees in Zone 8B is late winter to early spring. Tree selection and placement should be the first thing you consider. As with any addition to your landscaping, the right plant in the right place is key. Once you have selected the appropriate tree and decided on the best location to plant it, there are some things that are important to know.

  1. Call 811 before you dig to have underground utility lines marked. This free service typically takes two business days.
  2. Dig the right hole. Make it 2-3 times as wide as the root ball, keeping the top of the root ball level with the ground. Avoid digging too deep—planting too deeply can lead to root rot.
  3. Prepare the roots. Remove stakes and loosen any circling roots before planting. Gently untangle root-bound trees, and prune any girdling roots that could strangle the trunk.
  4. Backfill with native soil. Avoid adding soil amendments that can lead to poor root development. Amended planting holes can create a “pot effect,” preventing roots from spreading beyond the original hole. (Tip: Adding a trunk guard or a cut plastic bottle at this stage can help protect the trunk from damage caused by weed trimmers.)
  5. Apply mulch properly. Spread 2-3 inches of mulch around the tree, but keep it away from the trunk. Mulch should be shaped like a doughnut, not a volcano. Keeping it away from the trunk prevents rot and pest issues.
  6. Water deeply. Give the tree a long, slow soak once a week to encourage strong root growth. Newly planted trees need consistent watering for the first two years to establish a healthy root system.

Enjoy these resources for further tree care information:
Soil Testing - Texas A&M University https://soiltesting.tamu.edu/
Pruning Trees & Shrubs: https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/proper-pruning-techniques/
Fertilizing Woody Ornamentals: https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/fertilizing-woody-ornamentals/#:~:text=%EE%80%80Fertilizer%EE%80%81%20recommendationshttps://tfsweb.tamu.edu/Insects/
Texas A&M University- Proper Tree Planting: https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/PlantTreeProperly.html

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