How Do You Fertilize River Red Birch Trees?
Fertilization of trees supplements the soil around a plant’s roots to optimize tree growth. Fertilization provides nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus–the essential macro (major) nutrients plants require. Proper fertilization ensures good growth. Over-fertilization can be harmful to roots and should be avoided. Young river red birch trees (1 to 3 years) are best given a small amount of fertilizer. Mature trees may need none. Determine the perimeter of the river red birch tree’s root system, which typically is found at the drip edge. To determine the tree’s drip edge, look up and observe the outer top ends of the tree’s branches; the roots’ perimeter lies in an imaginary vertical drop from the outermost top edge of the tree branches and leaves. This observation establishes the basic perimeter where the outermost active roots are located for fertilization. Determine eight equally spaced places around this root system’s outer perimeter. As an example, if the tree is 10 feet high, and the
