Fertilizing trees in summer

In summer, trees are in the middle of their growing season. They have already formed new leaves and are using the many hours of sunshine for photosynthesis. This is when their most significant growth occurs. At the same time, trees are often exposed to particular stresses during this season, such as heat, drought, or strong sunlight. Therefore, the question arises: Do trees need fertilization in summer?

As a general rule: The most important time to fertilize trees is... SpringNevertheless, targeted fertilization can also be beneficial in certain situations during the summer.

Why trees need nutrients in summer

During the summer months, many important processes take place in the tree. The leaves perform photosynthesis, and the tree forms new shoots and fruit.

For these processes, the tree needs nutrients from the soil. These include, above all:

• Nitrogen for the growth of leaves and shoots
• Phosphorus for the plant's energy supply
• Potassium for stability, water balance and resistance

If these nutrients are only available in limited quantities in the soil, the growth of the tree may be restricted.

When fertilization in summer can be beneficial

Additional fertilization in summer can be particularly useful if the tree shows signs of a nutrient deficiency or if the soil contains few nutrients.

Typical situations include, for example:

• young trees in their first years
• Trees on very sandy or nutrient-poor soils
• Fruit trees with heavy fruit production
• Trees stressed by drought or heat

In such cases, moderate fertilization can help to better nourish the tree and strengthen its resistance.

Be careful with high nitrogen levels in summer

However, fertilization should always be done with caution in summer. Particularly high nitrogen applications can cause the tree to produce more new shoots. These young shoots often don't have enough time to fully harden before winter. As a result, the trees can be more susceptible to frost.

For this reason, we recommend avoiding fertilizers with a high nitrogen content from midsummer onwards.

Organic fertilizers are the better choice in summer.

Organic fertilizers are particularly suitable for fertilization in summer. They work more slowly and release nutrients into the soil over a longer period. Suitable examples include:

• compost
• Worm compost
• organic tree fertilizer
• Mulch made from leaves or wood material

These materials not only promote nutrient supply but also soil life. Microorganisms help make nutrients available to the roots.

Fertilizing and watering go hand in hand in summer

Especially in summer, water plays a crucial role in supplying trees with nutrients. Without sufficient moisture, roots can only absorb nutrients to a limited extent. You can find more information in the article. Water trees in summer.

Fertilizing in summer should always be combined with sufficient watering. Consistent soil moisture helps to keep nutrients available in the root area.

Soil care instead of heavy fertilization

Often in summer, it's not so much the fertilization itself that's crucial, but rather the care of the soil. mulch layer Organic material can help retain moisture in the soil and promote soil life.

Mulch protects the soil from strong sunlight and reduces evaporation. At the same time, the slow decomposition of the material introduces organic matter into the soil. This In the long term, the soil will become more fertile and better able to supply trees.

The tree bath worm compost tree fertilizer

The Baumbad liquid fertilizer Based on high-quality worm compost, the natural excrement of earthworms, this product contains a wealth of living microorganisms, humic acids, plant-available nutrients, and growth-promoting enzymes. Baumbad liquid fertilizer is also suitable for use in tree watering bags.

Summary: Only fertilize trees selectively in summer

• Heavy fertilization is usually unnecessary in summer. The most important time to fertilize trees remains spring, when growth begins and nutrient requirements are particularly high.
• In summer, however, moderate organic fertilization can be beneficial if the soil is nutrient-poor or the tree requires additional support. It is important to use balanced fertilizers and avoid excessive nitrogen applications.
• Even more important than the fertilization itself at this time of year are good soil care and sufficient watering so that the tree gets through the warm months healthy.

You can find more information in the article. How do you properly fertilize trees?