Know how it feels when your plants and trees slowly die?
But you do not know how to help them! Looking at the sickly branches and leaves truly make our hearts break in disappointment.
Does that mean you are to give up on months’ worth of hard work? Absolutely not. What you sow becomes a part of your life. Your trees become like your children.
You water them, make sure they get plenty of sunlight and love them as your own. And yet they still wither. We have probably asked ourselves many times why it happens. It is not your fault at all. You just did not know where to look for the right answers.
We are here to help you solve them with the topmost fertilizer listed below. Our gardens can only bear a healthy outcome if we know how to choose the best fertilizer for fruit trees.
Best Fertilizer For Fruit Trees: Comparison Chart
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Fruit trees also require good fertilizer like flowers or vegetables. Finding the most convenient one for your trees may involve some research. This is why we are here to assist you with it.
Fertilizer for fruit trees come in different varieties; liquids, spikes, granules, whichever is fitting for the growth. Here are some best options to help get the best harvest of your trees.
1
Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer
Top Pick
Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer
Our first choice includes Jobe’s organic granular fertilizer because of its organic ingredients. It is sustainable and biodegradable. The special formulation of biozome helps break down materials rapidly.
This biozome contains Mycorrhizal fungi and archaea to help fight against disease, illness, or insects during a tree’s growth. It also enhances the conditions of the soil. Therefore, the fertilizer allows your fruit trees to restore their health within days. The Mycorrhizal fungi work as an absorbent of nutrition toward the trees.
Thus, it makes them gradually boosted with a high concentration of dietary, organically healthy, and better. And the job of archaea involves cleaning the soil inside out. This lets the dirt return to its original rich state. It will remain so for a very long time.
You will no longer have to worry about droughts or deficiency of the growing season. This granular fertilizer can be used outdoor as well as on potted plants. Do not forget to read the method of use before mixing it with soil. The product is to be applied every 2 to 3 weeks for an improved result.
However, the fertilizer has a very strong smell of organic components. It stays about a few hours until fully absorbed. Even though it is safe for pets, we advise to refrain them from accidentally ingesting it.
It is also USDA-certified for being one of the finest organic fertilizer in the market. This product ensures uptake of nutrients in a flourishing amount — no more depleting of sustenance over the seasonal change.
We should keep in mind that the safety of our environment always comes first. Jobe will not only bear fruitful results to your trees, but it will safeguard the surrounded ground from any ailment in the long term.
what we love
- Works fast
- The odor dies out fast
- Easy apply
what could be better
- Gives off a bad odor
2
Jobe’s Fruit and Citrus Tree Fertilizer Spikes
Budget Pick
Jobe’s Fruit and Citrus Tree Fertilizer Spikes
Everybody wishes for their tree in the yard to look spectacular and healthy all year long. It is easier said than done. No matter how much you prune and water, without proper diet, your favorite plant could die before season’s end. This product is quite similar to the previous one on the list, except with a few additional advantages.
The fertilizer is designed like spikes. Thus, it gives your tree a continuous supply of nutrients. You will not have to wreck your brain with quantities anymore. Each spike is pre-measured. It will release the food with time, once applied around the subject. The slow discharge will ensure your trees’ wellbeing in the long run.
That being said, all active roots will nourish at a general pace below the surface. Not a single drop or grain will be wasted. Your yard or garden will look as it was before. Jobe’s Fertilizer Spike was made to last all season. For a better outcome, we suggest you apply it in early spring or late fall.
Its easy installation encourages even the newbies to carry out experiments! All you have to do is calculate your tree’s drip line. Very lightly hammer down the tip of the spike around the drippings. And that is all it will take for your plants to develop around the season.
Ideally, this product is for all fruits, including citrus and nut trees. You will notice changes in your trees yielding more fruits. The formulated ratio of 8-11-11 ensures that your plants are well-fed.
Undoubtedly, your garden will also have no smell or run-off fertilizer on the surface — no mess anywhere yet a great result of a strong foundation.
what we love
- Easy to apply
- No mess on the yard
- Odorless
- Includes other nutrients besides NPK
- Effective result
what could be better
- The process is lengthy
3
Urban Farm Fertilizers Apples & Oranges Fruits and Citrus
Urban Farm Fertilizers Apples & Oranges Fruits and Citrus
This super-concentrated fertilizer is specifically designed for small farms. There is no complication in using it. Urban Farm specializes in micro brewing their fertilizer on a weekly basis. That means each time you buy it, you get the freshest batch! This is why it is the richest in quality, and you are to utilize it as soon as obtained.
Because the solution may not have similar consistency after an extended interval, shaking up the container may regain some of the value. It is still advisable to use when newly bought.
It is half organic and half hydroponic. Organic components include worm casts, mycorrhizae, kelp, humic acid, enzymes, minerals, etc. The dilution ratio follows as 256:1 because of its heavy concentration formula.
Meaning, with only 1 quart, 64 gallons of fertilizer can be made! It is practical for other trees, too, regardless of the name. Of course, you must ask the experts first before testing. The diluted water will be absorbed in soil quicker. It is more effective and less time-consuming in comparison to others.
You will soon observe positive changes in your plants. There are various methods of applying the liquid. From hand-watering, hose-end, and foliar spraying to drip, hydroponics, direct on soil, or in a container. You will have plenty of choices to select from for easy use.
Finally, the transformation will be noticeable within a few weeks. Your tree will bear fruits in abundant minerals and vitamins. The juicy flavors will also have altered taste that will keep you wanting more!
what we love
- Highly concentrated
- Calcium-rich
- Effective in most trees
- Gets absorbed soil fast
- Numerous means of application
- Simple procedure
what could be better
- Should use fast for better result
4
Espoma CT4 Citrus-tone Plant Food
Espoma CT4 Citrus-tone Plant Food
Espoma CT4 is another highly recommended organic plant food. Besides citrus fruit, the product is useful for other trees as well, such as nut and avocado, etc. All the ingredients required for the development of an entire fruit tree are found in one package.
It is natural all the way and does not have any synthetic materials. Thousands of living microorganisms are used to make this a hundred percent organic. As a result, your trees will grow to their full potential.
You will only need to apply it twice or thrice a year because of the slow-release process. Spread the compost around the tree area. Keep at least 5-6 inches distance from roots. This is because the mixture is very strong. Cover the soil from place to place, especially in late winter.
That is when flowers usually bloom in fruit trees. A second application should be given in late spring during fruit production. We propose to use it one more time in early fall. This helps the tree to receive more nourishment all through winter. It will provide continuous and balanced feeding with a safety measure.
You can use it on potted plants too. However, it should be applied more frequently. The compost mixture cannot function properly because of regular watering and drainage system.
As the procession of the product takes time, we suggest a constant utilization of every 50-60 days in late fall and winter. Especially if you are growing lemon or lime, you will note the huge distinction within a few days.
The organic components will give off a pretty strong smell. The scent will attract your pets continuously. So, it is better to seal the bag and place it somewhere high.
What we love
- Easy application
- Odor dies out fast
- Effective result
- 100% natural
- Works better with lemon/lime trees
what could be better
- Lacks iron
- Gives off a bad odor
5
Southern Ag Citrus Nutritional Spray
Southern Ag Citrus Nutritional Spray
The main purpose of this spray is to prevent any deficiency symptoms. It is very effective on tropical fruit trees like mangoes, citrus or avocados.
How do deficiencies occur? There must have been times when sightings of yellow leaves had arisen. It usually begins at the tip of a leaf, next spreads over surrounded foliage. This yellowing is caused due to a lack of certain nutrients.
It may seem minor at the time, but if ignored, it could lead to serious damage to your tree. Citrus Nutritional Spray has five essential nutrients to fulfill the deficiency. Sulfur, manganese, iron, and zinc will help prevent any common illness.
Sulfur, iron, and manganese help generate chlorophyll that is mandatory for photosynthesis. Zinc promotes in augmentation of seed production. There are two ways of spraying the contents.
First, take one tablespoon of the liquid to 1 gallon of water for use. This is applied to avert sickness before it happens. Once or twice a year is typically more than enough for per tree.
Second, use two tablespoons every two weeks if your fruit tree is already showing signs of known deficiency. Take important notes of the soil pH level. Improper pH can also cause a deficiency in many plants.
Do not allow the liquid to be in contact with concrete, painted surface, or masonry under any circumstance. The stuff can severely ruin the materials with deep stains. Do not mix it with other fertilizers either, unless recommended.
Southern Ag offers one of the best strategically combined nutritional spray in the market. It does not only treat deficit problems; it also strengthens your fruit tree by increasing its metabolism.
what we love
- Easy application
- Fast result
- Works better with tropical fruits
- Does not cause any harm
what could be better
- Stains other materials badly
6
Liquid Kelp Organic Seaweed Fertilizer
Liquid Kelp Organic Seaweed Fertilizer
Liquid kelp is basically the favorite among expert gardeners. It will benefit your tree no matter what stage it is in. This organic seaweed fertilizer can be used for any type of trees, including fruit trees. And this extract is known as the ‘miracle’ plant food by nature.
Made from Ascophyllum Nodosum seaweed from Norway, it has proven to provide a number of advantages for the trees’ growth and health. You will start to experience fruits in greater quality, sweeter, larger, and juicier. It improves germination progress as well.
Liquid kelp will encourage your tree’s roots to multiply in growth and mass. The product’s high performance is acknowledged for increasing mineral uptake from earth to up into plants. It correspondingly widens the range of microorganisms in the soil too. This will result from rising in protein, chlorophyll, and RNA.
The trees will resist better against any complex weather situations. Namely, extreme heat, drought, transplant shock, wind or frost. Similarly, they will have a higher rate of survival, even when diseases or insects strike.
There is no such thing as the overuse of fertilizer when it comes to Liquid kelp extract. We will still mention two ways of using it. Making a solution of water and very little amount of the extract is sufficient since it is really concentrated.
Our first option is to spray. Use roughly about 1 or 2 tablespoons of it in a gallon of water. Usually, leaves are one of the several nutrient absorption sources. You can start by spraying on them for a greater outcome.
Next, take 2 ounces of the extract in a gallon of water to apply directly on the ground. Use it regularly every season to see your fruit tree flourish in abundance. You can try the hydroponic method as well.
what we love
- Can be applied to all type of trees
- Eco-friendly
- Cost-efficient
- Easy to use
what could be better
- Heavily concentrated
7
JR Peters Inc Jacks Classic Citrus Food Fertilizer
JR Peters Inc Jacks Classic Citrus Food Fertilizer
This citrus food formula is not only effective on lemons, grapefruits or oranges, but it also works incredibly on mangoes, kumquats too. The feed works magically on Meyer lemons, tangerines, and other dwarf varieties. Its enhanced micronutrients will make sure your trees cultivate in health as well as stature.
If your fruit trees are suffering from weak yellowing leaves and frail-looking branches, worry no more. J R Peter’s formula ensures vibrant green leaves in no time. The branches will have solid stability. More fruits will be produced than you could ask for! The soil below the surface will be enriched with regenerated microbes.
It contains the highest quality of nutrients. This fertilizer is made from Magnesium, Sulfur, Boron, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, etc. besides NPK elements of 20-10-20. These trace elements will contribute to recovering from any deficiency.
The fertilizer comes in a 5.7 inches resealable tub. This water-soluble food will last exceptionally long despite being small in size. You will only be required one teaspoon in a gallon of water to use every day.
And you can mix one tablespoon of the content per gallon according to the given instruction if you do not wish to feed regularly. Apply it every 7 to 10 days interval. The container already includes a spoon for you to measure easily. The Citrus Feed may be applicable by both foliar and in-soil methods.
Either spray the leaves thoroughly or water the soil peruse. You can apply any one method you consider as handy.
what we love
- Works on selected tropical plants too
- Enhanced micronutrient level
- Simple procedure
- Lasts longer
- Measuring spoon included
what could be better
- Comes in a very small container
8
Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer Spikes
Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer Spikes
Our last recommendation will discuss more spikes and their benefits. Miracle-Gro is one of the few trusted brands that promote natural components to make fertilizers.
By now, we have learned what the spikes are. They are very easy to work with. Your garden will have no compost smell hovering around. Neither will there be any clutter laying about.
Its gentle and slow care will eventually sustain your delicate trees with the healthiest nutrients. This measured formula will enhance the magnificent greenery of your yard. It will generate a steady system of more fruit growth. Applying them is quite simple, as mentioned.
All you have to do is drive the spike along the drip line circumference with a little push or hammer. An enclosed plastic cap is provided for easy handle.
Make sure the ground is watered or wet before gently driving down the spike. A dry ground may cause a breakage of the spike when hammered. Remove the cap after application for further use. The main advantage of using spike is that you will not need constant feeding.
Other fertilizers require consistent watering or spraying on plants. With Miracle-Gro spikes, you only have to follow instructions just once in spring and fall.
Fruit trees wield a lot of energy to stay active during spring. In the fall, they need more feeding so they could bloom further next year. Use two spikes for every 1 to 2 inches of trunk diameter. Every spike must be 3 feet apart from each other.
Did we tell you it can be used for palm trees too? That is just a plus point to this organic nutrient-filled citrus fertilizer.
what we love
- Easy application
- Natural ingredients
- No smell
- Effective result
- Plastic cap included
what could be better
- The process is lengthy
What To Look For Before Buying
We cannot simply buy any fertilizer for our cherished trees. This could be puzzling for many gardeners. It is still very important that each fruit tree is nurtured accordingly.
Even two trees of a similar kind may need an entirely opposite type of fertilizer. Each tree requires various ways to be taken care of. Some may need more potassium, while others need different nutrients.
- Research
Most fruit trees intake a huge amount of nitrogen than any other plant. A little research will guide you to one with this element. However, heavy consumption for a long time may cause excessive leaf growth. Evaluate the number and type of trees you own before buying. Check the nature of the soil in your garden or yard.
Taking measurements of the space is also helpful. It is often not an easy task to look after trees. Do not forget to check the NPK ratio on the package. A balanced ratio will certify a productive gain to your nursery. There are several other things to keep in mind.
For instance, you must learn about time and season as well. Every plant’s nutrition requirements will vary based on the climatic environment. As a matter of fact, trees change their needs during each seasonal transition.
- Select What Is Best
Look for a compost that is resourceful to more than one tree. Sometimes we search all-in-one options for a faster and equal outcome. On the other hand, leading with this may not be a good idea if each tree seeks something unique.
Try to get organic fertilizer if possible. The growth will progress at a natural pace. No harmful chemical is added. The fruits bore by the trees afterward will thrive in bliss.
The trees will take anything you give, but only you will know whether what is given would provide healthy growth or not. These nutrients will then move to our systems at one point.
What Kinds of Fertilizer Are Good for Fruit Trees
How would we know what is the best fertilizer for fruit trees, if we blindly pour just about anything? You need to know what makes the perfect fertilizer in order to choose one without difficulty. Previously, we have learned that it is high nitrogen content that our trees crave most.
Now we will know that besides nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium also have major parts. Known as NPK, you will often see their ratio ingredients printed on bags or containers. Their balanced contents are what defines good fertilizer. Always check it before buying it.
- How Nitrogen (N) Helps
Do you not admire the lush green of leaves swaying in unison under sunlight? Nitrogen is one of the essential nutrients that provide the green color of leaves. Because of it, photosynthesis is processed efficiently. There will be no leaf formation or natural growth without photosynthesis.
Nitrogen is found in all composts like manure or blood meal. Organic fertilizers for fruit trees contain a high amount of it, along with many other ingredients.
- How Phosphorus (P) Helps
Phosphorus is another necessary element that supports the development of roots, stems, and flowers of trees. It captures and converts sunlight into energy for them to branch out and grow stronger. This vital component improves the quality of fruits, seeds produced, and flower formation.
It also increases a tree’s strength to resist any disease. Phosphorus is as crucial as nitrogen in the fertilizer.
- How Potassium (K) Helps
Potassium functions as key component information of fruits. It is used to enhance the size of fruits, as well as their color and taste. Furthermore, it reduces the influence of harsh weather conditions such as drought, flood, cold, etc.
As a result, it maintains root growth, improves the efficiency of water and sugar regulation. It is associated with nitrogen and phosphorus to increase the chance of sturdier planting.
- Other Nutrients and Trace Elements
Besides NPK, a plant requires many more nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. They aid to build strong cell walls, form and regulate seeds, and create chlorophyll. Essential trace elements, include Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Chlorine, Boron, etc.
How to Fertilize Fruit Trees
We now know that each tree has a unique agenda of their own. As a consequence, we have to make certain what they are fed on and how. All the fertilizing products have strict instructions on their labels.
Always follow them accordingly so you can raise yours affectionately. But there are still many kinds of fertilizers. Knowing their type and method of use can guide you away from making any mistake.
- Granules
One of the most common forms of composts that are always available in the market. The granules are simple in application. You just spread the right amount of it on the surface.
Remember to lay them within the drip line. It is measured from the tree’s trunk to the branches that have further extended. Mark the point on the ground, and then begin the fertilizing process.
It is imperative you water the area right after applying. Especially if it is not going to rain soon, without water, dry composts cannot break down to reach soil and roots underneath.
- Spikes
Spikes are just like granules except in solid form. They are extremely convenient for use. You only have to stake them into the ground around the tree’s drip line. That’s it!
The best part is, you will not even have to wait each month to reapply. Spike formulation works through almost all year round. Placing them once or twice a year is sufficient for a greater supplement.
- Liquid
Usually, liquid fertilizer is heavily concentrated. Remember not to pour it directly without mixing in water. Each brand has a different measuring direction about how much of it to dilute.
The average use is 1 or 2 ounces in one gallon of water. Always follow the drip line when fertilizing your fruit trees. You may ask why the drip line is often taken into account.
Dripline gives you a distinct idea about how far roots have grown. The roots will have easy access to nutrients when watering around the drip line. You can either apply low concentrated liquid weekly or at higher concentrations each month.
- Spray
A spray is typically used directly on leaves, especially citrus fruit trees. While buying spray fertilizer, check the list of ingredients available on the label. Because the spray is mostly utilized when certain trace elements are lacking.
Related Articles: Best fertlizers for citrus trees
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding fertilizers for fruit trees:
Can fruit tree fertilizers be used as general fertilizers?
Sure. Fruit tree fertilizer is specifically formulated for young plants and seedlings. Similarly, you can use this on any flower, vegetable, or other plant seedlings as a substitute.
How do I use spikes for smaller trees?
You will have to estimate the drip line where the branches would be. Or you can roughly take 1 to 1.5 ft distance from trunk and place spike. Use only one or two depending on the size of your plant.
Do I follow the same instruction given on the label for potted fruit trees?
It is best not to. This could over-fertilize your tree, may even kill it. Potted trees require a lesser amount than trees in the yards.
Do all fertilizers smell bad?
Unfortunately, yes. Due to mixtures of several composts, they give off a terrible odor. Although it dissipates soon after, spiked fertilizers are odorless.
Is NPK composition the same in every fertilizer?
No. It varies in packaging and type of fertilizer. You should obtain the one regarding your plant’s NPK value requirements.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfa8E7BjIoo
Final Words
It may be a difficult task to look for the best fertilizer for fruit trees. Nevertheless, determination and hard work will ensure healthy and nourishing trees near you.
Whether you choose a liquid, spike, or granulated fertilizer, learning about what kind of trees you grow or intend to have can save a lot of hassle from buying wrong ones.
If you had any questions earlier, we believe this guide has managed to answer them. And make sure you choose the right product. This is not just about the trees; it is also about the health of everyone who will benefit from them.
