A Word from the Garden – Your Fruit Trees Need Attention!
Fruit trees require fertilizer. The Maricopa County Master Gardener
Program teaches that, in the Valley of the Sun, you should fertilize your
fruit trees three times per year – Valentines’ Day, Memorial Day, and
Independence Day.
A slow-release fertilizer works well. The big box stores sell a citrus
fertilizer that will work on all your fruit trees. If citrus fertilizer seems a
little too expensive, you can use a balanced product like 10-10-10 or 8-
8-8. In my opinion the manufacturers recommended application
quantity is aggressive. That is why I apply half the recommended
quantities. Use your own judgement. Slow-release fertilizer uses salt in
the manufacturing process and the trees should be watered very well
after the application to wash the salt below the roots. Watering deeply
will also activate the slow-release.
Organic fertilizer alternatives are available if using a synthetic product
does not agree with you. Organic products are more expensive and
should be applied monthly during the growing season starting in
February and ending in July. Organic applications will not need the deep
watering that a balanced, slow-release fertilizer requires. Your nursery
professional can help you select the correct products. I use the slow-
release fertilizer with very good results.
Additional requirements for your first fertilizer application in February
would be:
1). Move last year’s mulch aside.
2). Ensure your irrigation system is working as desired.
3). Apply two or three inches of compost.
4). Apply fertilizer.
5). Move last year’s mulch back in place and add more if required.
A correct fertilizing schedule is one of the components required to
ensure your fruit trees will enjoy a long and healthy life. The reward
you get is a plentiful, tasty harvest. A very wise Master Gardener once
told me, “A good harvest is not an accident”.
Good luck and God bless,
-Rich Johnson
