The right amount plays a role when fertilizing beech trees. Too much fertilizer is harmful. As a rule, you don't need to fertilize older beech trees because they take care of themselves via their branched root system. For young beech trees, regular fertilizer applications support the growth. How to fertilize correctly.
How should you properly fertilize a beech tree?
In order to properly fertilize a beech tree, you should regularly use organic slow-release fertilizer, liquid fertilizer or self-produced fertilizer such as compost and leaves on young beech trees. Fertilizer should only be applied from March to the beginning of August, without touching the leaves or trunk directly.
When should a beech tree be fertilized?
It is completely sufficient if you just fertilize a young beech tree regularly. For older trees, it is sufficient to sprinkle some ripe compost around the tree at the beginning of the year.
You can provide the best basis for growth if you mix the soil with compost (€12.00 on Amazon) and/or horn shavings before planting the beech. This ensures that the tree is supplied with sufficient nutrients for a longer period of time.
A beech tree is only fertilized from March to the beginning of August. Later fertilizer applications stimulate the growth of new shoots. These no longer harden before winter and freeze.
Which fertilizer is recommended?
- Long-term fertilizer
- Liquid fertilizer
- Compost
- Leaves
If you use slow-release fertilizer, it is enough to fertilize the beech at the beginning of the year. Fertilizers that consist mainly of organic materials are cheap.
Liquid fertilizer needs to be applied more frequently. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
However, it is best to use fertilizer that you produce yourself in the garden, such as compost, lawn clippings or leaves. Distribute these materials around the beech tree. They rot and thereby release nutrients.
What nutrients is the soil lacking?
If the beech trees are ailing or are only growing very slowly, you should have the soil examined. The laboratory can determine which nutrients are missing and should be supplied via fertilizer.
Leave beech leaves lying around
A very simple way to fertilize a beech tree is to leave the leaves lying around. This saves you a lot of work and the dried leaves are good soil protection for the beech.
However, you may only leave leaves lying around that are free of diseases and pests. You must remove diseased leaves and dispose of them in household waste.
Tip
When providing a beech tree with purchased fertilizer, be careful not to sprinkle or water the fertilizer on the leaves or trunk. There is a risk that the affected parts of the tree will “burn”.