You Don’t Fertilize Trees the Same Each Year

Q. Do I fertilize my peach tree even though it looks like
it’s doing great? If so, what type of fertilizer and concentration would you
use and how often?

A. You adjust your fertilizer application according to
how the tree is growing. If your tree is growing well, then reduce the amount
you apply but do not eliminate your fertilizer application.

            If the
growth is lush, then cut way back on the amount of fertilizer that you apply.
If you’re growth is skimpy, then increase the amount of fertilizer that you
apply. By cutting back I would reduce it by half. If you’re increasing the
fertilizer, then increase it by half the amount.

            You can
increase the amount of fertilizer you give a tree by increasing the amount you
give it in a single application or, a much better approach, apply it more often
in smaller amounts. You can accomplish the same thing by switching to slow
release fertilizers. They are more expensive but they release fertilizer more
slowly over time and so require only one application each year.

            Begin fertilizer
applications in late January and continue them into July if you want to but use
very small amounts of fertilizer at each application. You can apply fertilizer
as a single application in late January and not fertilize again for the rest of
the year if you want to. That will also work. Do not skip your iron
applications regardless of your other fertilizer application.