Dogwood Tree Care Fertilizer

If you have an established dogwood that you feel would benefit from fertilization have your soil tested to determine the best course of action.

Dogwood tree care fertilizer. The abundance of nitrogen denoted by the first number reflects this element s importance to the tree. It is best to let a newly planted dogwood grow on its own for the first year. After the first year. A dogwood tree planted in clay soil will eventually rot and die as it will hold water for too long.

Once established water the tree at least up to six inches. Dogwood trees grow well with a 12 4 8 fertilizer ratio. Alternatively you can feed with a natural organic plant food or simply mulch with aged organic compost. Adding a generous amount of mulch will help retain the water and cut down on watering tasks.

Fertilize the tree with a water based fertilizer during spring and summer months. After new leaves have begun to emerge. How to grow dogwood trees. If the soil is not acidic you can use an acid lover s fertilizer suitable for such plants as rhododendron and holly.

Water the tree regularly during the initial months and hot spells. Therefore when caring for dogwood trees this should be considered carefully before placement in the landscape. Young trees are often killed by gardeners eager to boost growth with too much fertilizer. Nitrogen provides the basic structure.

In their natural habitat dogwoods are understory trees which are generally surrounded or protected by other larger trees. Dogwood trees need well drained humus soil that is ideally slightly acidic. Before you apply any fertilizer for dogwoods it is a good idea to test your soil and see what nutrients it lacks and if the ph is suited to your plant. If you notice any white cotton like masses.

Be careful when fertilizing a young dogwood tree many newly planted trees are killed by applying too much fertilizer. Proper dogwood care will bring these lovely trees to their height of beauty. Closely examine the leaves. Fertilize them in spring with a slow release shrub tree food preferably one that contains sulfur and or iron.

The soil quality shouldn t be too sandy nor should it be heavy clay. I always apply a 1 to 2 inch layer of cured shredded or chipped wood mulch or pine straw around the tree in spring. Dogwood shrubs aren t heavy feeders but will benefit from fertilization. When to fertilize a dogwood tree i fertilize my dogwood trees during their spring bloom cycle just prior to when their new leaves will begin to emerge.