Fertilizing Fruit Trees Applying fertilizer routinely without knowing whether it is needed can result in poor fruit quality and excessive tree growth.
Excessive fertilization can also waste money and contribute to environmental pollution.
Annual soil analyses can keep you informed about the nutrients in the soil and the soil acidity. In addition to soil analyses, simple observation of the amount of vegetative growth can help in managing soil fertility. Trees with less than 10 to 12 inches of current season's growth on lateral branches may need fertilizer. On the other hand, trees with greater than 18 inches of growth may not need fertilizer for several years. Excessive tree growth can promote some pest problems.