Tree Fertilization During Dormancy

There is much curiosity concerning the effectiveness of fertilizer applications during tree an shrub dormancy periods. There are three very compelling reasons why this is an effective time for a root stimulating type of application.

1. Although shoot growth, or lack thereof, is the most obvious sign of the dormancy reaction, root activity and growth rarely ever cease.
2. When the dormancy reaction occurs growth systems within the plant turn to root production, to the extent that there is actually a hyper growth period.
3. Generally speaking, trees and shrubs produce the majority of their non-woody root extension during dormancy.

The indications would be an application to help this process along. It is important to understand that we do not want to over stimulate the plant, however, simply to maximize the effectiveness of it's own process.

We know that in the forest floor roots will be in the presence of the necessary elements due to the natural nutrient recycling from rotting leaf and twig litter, and good natural mycorhizal populations. Unfortunately, in the landscape the litter is generally removed and the soils are depleted. It is necessary to due sensible applications of the necessary elements, slow release nitrogen, available phosphates and potassium, an organic blend, and possibly inoculation with mycorrhizae.

All of these, either individually or in combination are available, and depending upon the extent of your application can be mixed and matched to suit your site or situation. The effectiveness of a good dormant period application will show in a strong break coming back into the shoot growth cycle. We stress that the recommendations of sensible level applications be followed. Over stimulating a tree or shrub will force it to use up more stored energy than necessary.

Courtesy of The Doggett Corp., Lebanon, N.J.