The evergreen conifers do not need much fertilizer. At least that's what some gardeners think. But they are wrong. The varieties used for domestic hedges are more sensitive and need more nutrients than wild specimens in the forest. Your fertilizer must also provide certain elements.
Which fertilizer should you use for conifer hedges?
To fertilize a conifer hedge, use special conifer fertilizer that contains iron, magnesium and potassium. Fertilize according to the manufacturer's instructions once or twice a year, especially in spring and autumn to provide frost protection.
What nutrients does a conifer hedge need?
For their typical needle coloring, conifers need iron and, above all, plenty of magnesium. A conventional NPK fertilizer cannot adequately supply them with this because this element is completely neglected. Instead, the conifer is oversupplied with phosphate.
The conifer hedge also needs potassium because this substance helps it to develop good frost hardiness.
How can a conifer hedge be fertilized?
Fertilize your conifer hedge with a special conifer fertilizer (€8.00 on Amazon). It is available as granules and liquid fertilizer. When fertilizing, follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly, as incorrect fertilization can cause harm.
You can supply potassium with potassium magnesia, also known as patent potassium. This fertilizer also has valuable magnesium to offer.
Tip
Magnesium deficiency quickly leads to brown spots in the hedge. In this case, use Epsom s alt as soon as possible. You can fertilize the hedge with Epsom s alt, or dissolve it in water and then spray it onto the needles.
How often is the conifer hedge fertilized?
In order to create a dense conifer hedge, the evergreen conifers are planted very closely. This means that a particularly large number of roots compete for the nutrients contained in the soil in a very small space. It should be clear that supplies don't last long and need to be replenished regularly.
Whether the conifer hedge needs to be fertilized once or twice a year or regularly at smaller intervals also depends on the fertilizer you use. The least you can do wrong is to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
When should the conifer hedge be fertilized?
Fertilization is carried out during the vegetation phase, while no nutrients are added in winter.
- first major fertilization of the year should be in spring
- when the trees are freshly sprouting
- can be combined well with cutting
- fertilize throughout the year according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Apply potassium fertilizer only in autumn