For larger trees, apply one cup of fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter as measured 4 ft. above the ground. Be sure to spread the fertilizer in an area starting near the trunk and extending out beyond the branch spread. Generally, trees over 12 inches in diameter do not need fertilizing. Maximum of one cup per 1,000 square feet. Water fertilizer into the soil when possible.
Heavy rains can wash fertilizer left on the soil's surface into lakes, streams, wetlands, etc.
Leave natural leaf litter under trees where possible. All shrubs, trees, and other landscape plantings should be mulched. Do not bag the clippings when you mow your lawn. They recycle nutrients to the lawn. Calibrate your sprinklers.