The difference between the trees in the forest and the trees in your yard.

Feb 24, CORVALLIS, Ore. – Trees and shrubs often are forgotten when it comes time to fertilize the yard in the spring. Young trees, especially those with a trunk diameter of less than six inches, can benefit from regular applications of fertilizer.

"When young trees soak up nitrogen fertilizer, they grow quickly, develop a dense canopy and stay green into the fall," said Ross Penhallegon, horticulturist Estimated Reading Time: 4 mins. The common wisdom on fertilizing trees has been to feed them in early spring, before active growth begins. Although there’s nothing essentially wrong with this, many experts are now suggesting that late fall, about a month after the first killing frost, is a better time.

Water it during dry spells. Mulch in the spring. And, fertilize your tree when it lacks nutrients. When you fertilize your trees, you replace the necessary minerals and nutrients that are missing from the soil.

He is a member of the Society of American Foresters.

Jan 15, Fall fertilization (mid-September through mid-October) can be beneficial, however, providing plants with nutrients that are stored in roots and stems, ready to use for the next spring’s growth. Do not fertilize plants showing symptoms of drought stress.

Do not fertilize a tree or shrub during a drought unless plants are irrigated regularly.