Water the tree before applying the fertilizer. Apply fertilizer evenly to the soil beneath the tree's canopy, at rates recommended on the label. Water the tree after fertilizing to wash nutrients into soil. Repeat the process every four to six weeks from February through August for trees growing in the ground. Repeat every two weeks for container trees.
Leaves absorb nutrients quickly.
Fertilizers applied later than August may force late, frost-sensitive growth. Hose-end sprayers simplify using liquid fertilizers. Wear gloves when handling dry fertilizers. Inc. How things get done. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy .