Fertilizing trees in winter

In winter, most trees are in a dormant phase. The leaves have fallen, new shoots are not yet forming, and there is hardly any growth. This raises the question: Should trees be fertilized at all during this time of year? 

In most cases, the answer is: Fertilizing in winter is not necessary. Nevertheless, there are some situations in which a tree can benefit from fertilization, especially in conjunction with soil care. 

Why trees usually don't need fertilizing in winter

During winter dormancy, trees require very few nutrients. The tree produces neither new leaves nor new shoots. As a result, its need for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium also decreases.

In addition, the cold temperatures greatly reduce activity in the soil. Heavy fertilization during this period can have several disadvantages:

• The tree hardly absorbs the nutrients.
• Rain can wash nutrients out of the soil.
• Excessive nitrogen application can unnecessarily stress the tree.

For these reasons, we recommend postponing the actual fertilization until spring. In spring, the Main fertilization season in March or April, as soon as the temperatures rise.

When fertilization in winter can be beneficial

Although most trees don't need fertilizer in winter, a light application of nutrients can be beneficial in certain situations. For example:

• newly planted trees
• very nutrient-poor soils
• heavily stressed city trees
• Soils with little organic matter

Organic soil improvement can help strengthen the soil in the long term. It is important to avoid using fast-acting mineral fertilizers and instead use slow-release organic materials.

Organic fertilization in winter

If fertilizing is done in winter, it should be done as gently as possible. Organic fertilizers act slowly, especially in winter when soil organisms are less active. Suitable examples include:

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

These materials primarily improve soil structure and soil life. The nutrients they contain are then available to the tree in spring when growth resumes.

Why floor care is important in winter

Even when the tree is dormant in winter, the soil remains an important habitat. A good soil structure, for example, ensures that water is retained more effectively. 
Organic material on the soil surface also acts as a protective layer. It can help:

• to protect the soil from severe drying out
• to reduce temperature fluctuations
• to promote soil life

This allows the soil to build up gradually, and the tree starts the new growing season in spring with better conditions.

Fertilization and irrigation in winter

Trees need significantly less water in winter than in summer. However, it can still be beneficial to water young or newly planted trees occasionally on frost-free days. You can find more information in the article. Watering trees in winter.

Slightly moist soil helps retain nutrients and protect the roots. Evergreen trees, in particular, can suffer from water shortages during dry winters.

The tree bath worm compost tree fertilizer

The Baumbad liquid fertilizer It is based on high-quality worm compost, the natural excrement of earthworms. It contains a wealth of living microorganisms, humic acids, plant-available nutrients, and growth-promoting enzymes.

Summary: Fertilize trees sparingly in winter

• Intensive fertilization is generally not necessary in winter. Since trees are in a dormant phase, their ability to absorb nutrients is limited.
• However, a slight organic soil amendment can be beneficial. Materials such as compost or worm compost strengthen the soil in the long term and prepare it for the coming growing season.
• The most important time for fertilizing most trees remains spring, when the tree is actively growing again and can absorb nutrients particularly well.

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