If the thuja turns brown, this often, but not always, indicates a defect. That's why many gardeners believe that they are doing the tree of life a favor by additionally fertilizing the hedge with Epsom s alt. However, over-fertilization with mineral fertilizer can really harm the thuja. Epsom s alt is not helpful for brown needles.
Can Epsom s alt help thujas with brown needles?
In the case of brown needles on thuja, Epsom s alt is not a suitable solution, as brown needles indicate pest, fungal infestation or environmental factors such as sun, frost or dried out soil. Epsom s alt only helps with magnesium deficiency, which manifests itself as yellow needles.
When does it make sense to fertilize thuja with Epsom s alt?
Epsom s alt compensates for a magnesium deficiency. Only if this is present can it make sense to supply the tree of life with Epsom s alt.
Only when you are completely sure that there is actually a magnesium deficiency should you use this mineral fertilizer. It is therefore advisable to take a soil sample and submit it to a laboratory for testing.
Yellow needles indicate magnesium deficiency
If the needles of the thuja turn yellow, it is quite likely that the hedge is suffering from a magnesium deficiency. This can happen even if you have been fertilizing regularly. Magnesium is water-soluble and is washed away with rainwater.
When is Epsom s alt given?
- Fertilization in April
- cloudy day
- Water the soil before and after
- Administer Epsom s alt according to instructions
If it is absolutely certain that there is a magnesium deficiency, fertilization with Epsom s alt is recommended. The best time to do this is when the Thuja sprouts in April. Sometimes top dressing is necessary in the summer before the second shoot.
On the day of Epsom s alt fertilization, the sky should be overcast. The soil is watered beforehand or you fertilize after a rainfall. If heavy rain is expected, you should postpone fertilization. The Epsom s alt is then washed away and may collect on other plants, which are then over-fertilized.
How to fertilize thuja with Epsom s alt?
Epsom s alt can be dissolved in water and sprayed or applied directly to the ground.
The solution is sprayed onto the undersides of the leaves but not too close to the trunk.
When administered in solid form, the Epsom s alt is sprinkled around the tree of life. It must not get too close to the trunk and certainly not directly to the roots.
When dosing, follow the manufacturer's instructions. In heavy soils the concentration is higher than in light soils.
Do not use Epsom s alt for brown needles
Brown needles and tips are not a sign of a magnesium deficiency, but rather indicate a pest or fungal attack. Even more common are burns caused by sun, frost damage or soil that is too dry.
If the thuja turns brown, it may also be due to an excess supply of nutrients, or over-fertilization. This attacks the roots, they burn and can no longer absorb water.
That's why it's important that you never over-fertilize a thuja, but rather give too little rather than too much fertilizer.
Tip
If you fertilize your Thuja hedge with organic products such as mature compost, seasoned manure or horn shavings, you are not taking any risks. Oversupply is impossible because the nutrients are only released slowly.