Trees such as Tulip Poplar Tree grow best if they are fertilized lightly in the spring once frost has passed with a well-balanced, extended-release, fertilizer such as espoma Tree-tone. Fertilize Tulip Poplar Tree again 6 to 8 weeks later to encourage denser foliage or faster growth of young trees.Either chemical fertilizers or organic matter can be used successfully with Tulip Poplar Tree. Since an organic method of applying manure and/or compost around the roots, produces excellent results and also improves the condition of the soil, this would be an excellent first line of attack. Organic additions to the soil can also be combined with a shot of chemical fertilizer for maximum effect.
If chemical fertilizers are used on your tree, applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once a year is probably the simplest solution. A fast release fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 will work just as well if applied twice during the early spring and early summer.Don’t fertilize Tulip Poplar Tree after August. Fall is the time for plants to begin preparing for dormancy. Fertilizing at this time may stimulate new growth that will be too tender to withstand the winter. In the South, a late May application and another in July would be about right. More northern areas may wish to fertilize only once in June or July.
The amount of chemical fertilizer used per plant will vary with the size of the plant and it’s root system. (Use less fertilizer for gardenias in a container.) Over-fertilization can be much more detrimental than under-fertilization. “Fertilizer burn” can occur when too much fertilizer is applied, resulting in a drying out of the roots and damage or even death of the Tulip Poplar Tree. Never fertilize a plant with a chemical fertilizer if the plant looks sick or wilted. If a plant is struggling due to a disease or root problems, the fertilizer will only add stress to it’s life. Try to cure the problem before adding fertilizer.