��� Fertilization promotes growth, maintains tree vigor and health, and promotes faster recovery from injury, pruning, and pest damage. However, fertilization during the first year after planting may cause damage to the sensitive root system, therefore fertilizing is not recommended until the second year, when transplant shock has declined. The ideal time to fertilize is during the dormant season, normally in the fall (November to mid December) or in the early spring (February - April). A soil test should be used to determine if the soil has any specific fertilizer needs. if you need help conducting a soil test call a Kansas Certified Arborist, Kansas Certified Nurseryman, or your County Extension Office.
��� Fertilizer can be applied in a granular or liquid form to the mulch surface. Since most feeder roots are shallow, there is no need to inject or place fertilizer deep in the soil. However, as mentioned above, after 3-5 years, tree root growth will extend out past the mulch area and branch spread of the tree. Therefore, fertilizer should be applied to both mulched and unmulched surfaces as the tree becomes established. The diagram below illustrates this procedure.

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