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Best Fertilizer For Fruit Trees

Best Choice
Dr. Earth Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer
4.5/5
Editor's Choice
Espoma Organic Tree-Tone 6-3-2
5/5
Best Overall
Southern Ag Chelated Citrus Nutritional Spray
5/5

Who doesn’t love the idea of growing delicious, sun-ripened, homegrown fruits? If you have your very own fruit trees growing in your garden, you may need to invest in one of the best fertilizers for fruit trees to ensure a healthy and steady growth and fruit production.

Luckily for you, our gardening guides provide you with a thorough list of the best fertilizer for fruit trees for your garden.

Different fruit trees have different needs but to fertilize fruit trees, you need to invest in good quality tree food early on. From a range of best liquid fertilizer to the best organic lawn fertilizers, you can pick the one that’s just right for your fruit trees. But how do you know?

Your House Your Garden brings you this article which lists the best fertilizer for fruit trees available in the market. A little extra boost in nourishment can go a long way and help produce some of the nicest and juiciest fruit you can imagine. Keep on reading to find out more!

 

Top picks for Best fertilizer for fruit trees

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1. Dr. Earth Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer

This superb Dr. Earth plant food formula consists of an NPK ratio of 5-5-2 that is combined with their TruBiotic blend. This releases mycorrhizae and other organic microbes that helps nourish your fruit tree roots and also enhances the taste of the final product. In fact, it can achieve the same results in drought-tolerant areas and other places with shorter growing seasons.

Keep in mind that this is a slow release fruit tree fertilizer and it comes as a granular fertilizer. It takes some time to feed the soul and create an optimal environment for your fruit trees to grow plenty of fruit and encourage foliage growth. In fact, it is also the perfect fruit tree fertilizer for when you are growing your trees in pots or containers.

Additionally, it contains no traces of chicken manure or extra fillers. It is also safe to use around children and pets. However, it may release a slight odor on application.

2. Espoma CT4 4-Pound Citrus-tone Plant Food

This 100% raw fruit tree fertilizer contains no fillers or sludges and can nourish your fruit tree roots so the fruits taste sweeter and better. Its unique blend of ingredients helps grow trees bigger and it can be be used for citrus trees and even avocados.

Again, this is a slow growth and slow release formula so replenishing it thrice a year would do the job. You can also do a pre- and post-bloom application to have another batch of late spring fruit.

You can use this on potted plants and it works incredibly well for mature fruit trees as well. Its versatility makes it one of the best organic fertilizer in the market.

3. Down to Earth Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer Mix

Do you prefer all organic fertilizers over other varieties? This Down to Earth fruit tree fertilizer is fully certified as organic by the OMRI. Whether you like apple trees, guavas, mangoes, peaches, etc., this organic blend is just the pick for you.

It can even be used for shrubs, canes, and young trees. Its blend of ingredients also contains calcium for better fruit production and development. With a 6-2-4 NPK ratio and the additional calcium, your fruit will grow plumper and bigger and it will also increase the expected harvest.

Whether you are growing pomme fruit or stone fruit, you can follow the detailed instructions on the package. If you are wondering how much fertilizer you will need for your fruit trees, then a simple rule is to sprinkle 1-2 cups of this fertilizer per inch of the young tree trunk directly into the soil around it.

If you trees are mature, then repeat this twice per year.

4. Southern Ag Chelated Citrus Nutritional Spray

This special liquid fertilizer for fruit trees is specially formulated for orange, mangoes, and avocados. Though, it can still be useful for other fruit trees like apple trees.

If you notice crusty, yellowy, or brown leaves on your otherwise lush fruit trees, then this could be an indication of a rising problem or lack of some nutrients. Plants and trees alike will signal such problems through discoloration of leaves. For this purpose, you can use the Southern Ag spray on the leaves to cure any minor deficiencies.

It consists of zinc, magnesium, iron, sulfur, and manganese. One teaspoon can be blended in a gallon of water and this should be more than enough to ensure that your fruit trees are in good health, packed with nutrients, and aren’t showing any signs of rot or yellowing.

5. JR Peters Inc 52524 Jacks Classic No.1.5 Food Fertilizer

Looking for professional grade fruit tree fertilizers for your precious orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, peach trees? The wait is over! This JR Peter’s fertilizer recipe for fruit trees works wonders for even fruit like mangoes and kumquats.

You can use it as a regular additive and watering it down by mixing 1 teaspoon of the mixture with every gallon of water. Or, you can use 1 gallon of water and use it every 7-10 days.

With nutrients derived from solid roots, berries, leaves, etc., this fertilizer has all the nutrients needed by your fruit tree to grow stronger and produce a sweeter yield.

6. Jobe’s Organics 9227 Fruit & Nut Granular Fertilizer

If you prefer granular fruit tree fertilizers instead, then this Jobe’s Organics Fruit Tree food is a miracle worker. If you notice your trees wilting or showing signs of damage, then we recommend using this for fast results. It will heal your young fruit trees and ensure that they regain their vigor and vitality.

Its NPK ratio is 3-5-5 and its lower nitrogen phosphorus and potassium levels works in partnership with the microorganisms which further break down and yield lush results.

Remember to work the granules into the soil if you are working with young fruit trees or potted fruit trees. For mature trees you can use 1.5 cups of it into the tree base soil per foot of the tree girth.

Be careful not to overfeed your tree as it may trigger more foliage but less fruit.

7. Espoma Organic Tree-Tone 6-3-2

Another exceptional and incredibly effective granular feed for your fruit trees is this Epsoma Organic fertilizer. It is versatile and works wonders for sun loving fruit trees as well as shade loving varieties. What’s more is that it shows fast results so you don’t have to wait around for the fertilizer to take effect.

Its NPK ratio of 6-2-3 as well as the Biotone microbes fits all kinds of citrus fruit trees and only requires 2 seasonal applications.

Additionally it works exceptionally well for trees that do not have any kind of ailment and are generally healthy. You can use it to nourish apple trees, cherry trees, plums, pear trees, and even nut trees such as walnut trees.

You can apply it by measuring 9 cups of the fertilizer per of the tree trunk and sprinkle the granules onto the base. Do this once every beginning of spring and once during fall.

Keep in mind that for optimal results, you may have to use a large amount of fertilizer. Also, it is not the best option for potted trees.

8. Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer Spikes 3-5-5

This innovative style of fruit tree fertilizer ensures that you never have to waste time or product mixing, working in, spreading, or spraying fertilizer. Instead, all you need to do is insert one spike next to the garden bed or fruit trees for every 6 inches of its total diameter. Repeat this every 4-6 weeks and enjoy a lush, green fruit tree garden.

Its 3-5-5 NPK helps balance soil quality while also boosting foliage growth and enhancing root formation and health. These spikes come in an easy-to-open packaging and you can seal it back when not in use.

Additionally, the formulation of these spikes is safe for children and pets and they can be used for trees in open soil or even young apple trees or other types of trees in containers. However, they do have a short shelf-life so make sure you use up all the spikes within a single growing season.

Types and Varieties of the Best Fertilizer for Fruit Trees

There are a multitude of best fruit tree fertilizers that you can pick from but for the most part, fruit trees grow best when fed organic fruit tree fertilizers. It is also healthier to consume fruit that has been fertilized with all-natural ingredients rather than synthetic ones.

When it comes to the best organic fertilizers for fruit trees, there are 3 main categories:

1. Spikes as Fertilizer for Fruit Trees

One of the simplest to employ, particularly if you have multiple fruit trees, is slow-release spikes. They provide a far lower risk of run-off and root burn because they are pre-measured and compact for simple storage.

Additionally, since soil-dwelling microorganisms naturally release nutrients, watering the spike is not required. The additional benefit of encouraging enhanced resilience to pests and tree diseases is another advantage of this spraying technique.

2. Granular Fertilizer for Fruit Trees

Another option for gradual release is granules. They are highly concentrated and can sustain life for 8-9 months. It doesn’t require watering to activate, and it’s less prone to leech into groundwater or surrounding surfaces.

Simply sprinkle them around the root of your tree to apply them, or work them into the dirt for more rapid feeding. A seed distributor can be used for larger, orchard treatments with a lower workload.

3. Liquid Fertilizer for Fruit Trees

If you choose a liquid fruit tree fertilizer that is adaptable enough to be used when watering other parts of your garden, you can save time and water. The rate at which nutrients get to the roots is what gives them the most advantage as they are transported to the root ball.

Additionally, liquid fertilizers for fruit trees frequently maintain the soil’s pH levels in balance. However, too much of it might result in overfeeding and could cause root burn, so always abide by the instructions and dosage recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Powdered Fertilizer for Fruit Trees

Powder fertilizers for fruit trees can be sprayed straight into the ground around the base of your tree or mixed with water to make a fertilizer paste.

This kind requires a little more work in smaller settings but is ideal for larger usage such on farms and orchards. Even though they are among the most affordable fertilizers for fruit trees, if precise measurements are not taken, they do run the risk of root burn.

Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer Vs. Synthetic Fruit Tree Fertilizer – Which is Better?

Whether to use an organic or synthetic (chemical or inorganic) fertilizer depends on your preference and long-term objectives. You can choose fertilizer with confidence if you have a basic awareness of the differences between the two. It also doesn’t hurt to check which type of fruit tree will benefit from these.

Organic foods are made from plants or animals and include natural ingredients such as bone meal, manure, etc. Synthetic chemicals are used in the production of inorganic fruit tree fertilizers.

Low nutrient levels in organic feeds can support fruit plants for extended periods of time while also enhancing the soil quality and environment. Larger fruit yields can be attained by using inorganic fertilizers. They might, however, also contaminate surrounding water sources.

What is the Ideal N.P.K Ratio for Fruit Tree Fertilizers?

When fruit trees have access to the ideal ratio of macronutrients, they are far more successful. These are potassium (K) for long-lasting disease immunity, phosphorus (P) for strengthening the roots and bright blooms, and nitrogen (N) for vigorous foliage.

As different fruit trees may have different NPK requirements, it is often a good ideal to select one with a balanced ratio.

Before selecting the best fruit tree fertilizer for your yard, you should determine a number of elements, including if the soil in the area needs amendments, and if you wish to plant different varieties of fruit trees instead of one.

You should also determine if you want to plant your fruit trees in the open ground or in containers. All these factors play a crucial role in determining the NPK levels required for the best fruit tree fertilizer.

Growing and Fertilizing Fruit Trees in Containers

Not everyone has a garden or a dedicated yard space to plant large fruit trees of different varieties. Does this mean you can’t enjoy your own fruit trees? No! People living in townhouses or apartments can grow and fertilize fruit trees in containers. Dwarf trees work best for this kind of setting!

Even in a small outdoor space, you can easily grow a fruit tree or two in some large, decorative pots. But, unlike trees grown in the ground, they need a bit more attention. The frequent watering needed will inevitably result in soil and nutrient run-off as the excess water drains. So, more frequent feeding will also be necessary.

As we’ve seen, a lot of the best fertilizers for fruit trees contain more nitrogen. This is very advantageous for large fruit and nut trees. However, in a container, the extra nitrogen will cause the tree to concentrate its energy more on the development of new foliage and less on the development of blossoms and fruit. So, keep that first value in the NPK ratio in mind when selecting the best fertilizer for potted fruit trees. It ought to be on par with the other two or less.

Fertilizing Your Fruit Trees in the Open Ground.

Mature fruit trees developing in orchards or the open ground have different requirements than those in pots. They simply develop in a broader and more varied environment. We recommend learning about your trees.

You may have to feed them twice or thrice during the growth season, depending on the kind of fruit you’re producing. This would typically begin in the early spring, right before flowering. The trees absorb the greatest nutrients at this time when they start their growth cycle.

The initial dose may be applied as early as February if you reside in a more temperate environment, but not earlier. a second time, following flowering but before fruit begins to ripen. Then, if necessary, a third time in the fall. Some fruiting trees’ new growth will be vulnerable to frost damage if fed too late, which may spread to other areas of the tree.

When to Use Fruit Tree Fertilizers

Your trees will start their annual growth in the spring and will require a lot of plant food. Tree fertilization should begin immediately before the buds open. Up to one month prior to this period, fertilizer use is safe.

You still have till June to fertilize your tree if you missed the blossoming stage.
The general rule is to avoid using any fertilizer in the late summer or fall; if it is required, go with a low-nitrogen option.

If heavy nitrogen fertilizer is applied at the wrong time, all plant nutrients will be directed into foliage growth rather than fruit production. You’ll wind up with brittle, fragile branches that can’t survive the winter.

FAQs on the Best Fruit Tree Fertilizer for Your Yard

Yes, there is a difference in the best fruit tree fertilizer for summer and winter. This also depends on the type of fruit tree you are growing in your garden.

Winter fruits will require fertilizers that can protect against the frost and help the roots grow sturdier and stronger without giving in to the cold or diseases. Similarly, summer fruits will benefit from fertilizers that can protect your plant against droughts and heat.

The type of fertilizer that works best for apple trees is one that consists of an NPK ratio of 12-12-12, 11-15-15 for young apple trees, and 12-12-12 or 11-15-15 for mature apple trees.

Yes, organic fertilizers are better to boost growth of planted fruit trees. Fruit trees will thrive with organic, nitrogen-rich fertilizers. This should include ingredients such as soybean meal, cottonseed meal, chicken manure, etc.

Yes, you should use different fertilizer for young and mature trees. This is because both have different needs. For younger trees, it is important to pick a fertilizer that helps in strengthening the roots and enhancing growth. For mature trees, fertilizer that can improve yield and provide protection against diseases is preferred.

Abigail Clemente

Abigail Clemente

To say that Abigail is passionate about gardening and landscaping would be an understatement. Abigail came to Your House Your Garden team with an already exceptional portfolio as an experienced writer.

Abigail Clemente

Abigail Clemente

To say that Abigail is passionate about gardening and landscaping would be an understatement. Abigail came to Your House Your Garden team with an already exceptional portfolio as an experienced writer.