Fertilize

Dear Ms. Clapp,

I have a cherry blossom tree and three Bradford pear trees and would like your advice on how to fertilize them, similar to the advices for the fig bushes. I really appreciate it.

Regards,
Hien

Anne's Response:

f the cherry tree and the Bradford pears have been in the ground for more than 5 years and are mulched with a 2 or 3 inch layer of organic mulch such as composted leaves or pine bark there is really no need to fertilize them. The organic material in the soil and in the mulch will supply most of the nutrients for mature plants that are not fruit producing. If they have been planted for less than two years you may want to fertilize them with a slow release nitrogen fertilizer just as the leaves appear in the spring.