The Nordmann fir looks for nutrients in the soil that enable it to grow he althily and quickly. But at the same time it also needs to find certain elements that help it maintain the rich green color of its needles. Can an ordinary garden fertilizer do both? Hardly.
How should you fertilize a Nordmann fir?
In order to optimally fertilize a Nordmann fir, you should use special fir fertilizer or Epsom s alt. Fertilization occurs every 6 to 8 weeks during the growth phase from February to August. The dosage depends on the size of the tree and the manufacturer's instructions.
This is what the Nordmann fir needs
The Nordmann fir does not have high nutritional requirements. A fully grown tree will usually be able to make do with the resources of the soil. Only if this is lean or the fir tree is in a bucket could an addition of nutrients be necessary. Newly planted or transplanted specimens also get off to a better start with fertilization.
A commercially available NPK fertilizer with the elements sodium, phosphate and potassium is insufficient for the Nordmann fir in the long term. Deficiency symptoms can occur, such as the dreaded needle tan. Special fir fertilizer (€9.00 at Amazon) therefore offers an expanded nutrient composition, primarily with iron, magnesium and sulfur.
Timing and dosage
Nordmann firs are fertilized during their growth phase from February to August.
- Provide fir fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks
- 70 to 140 grams per square meter (depending on the size of the tree)
- distribute around the root area and work in flatly
- alternatively use long-term fertilizer for conifers
Tip
When fertilizing the Nordmann fir, pay attention to the manufacturer's dosage instructions and do not exceed them. Even a fir tree can be over-fertilized.
Epsom s alt for green needles
The fir fertilizer not only ensures that the needles turn green, but also ensures rapid growth. Considering that a Nordmann fir can grow up to 25 m high, this may not be so desirable in a home garden. Here you can avoid Epsom s alt, which is otherwise used as an additional fertilizer against brown needles.
Epsom s alt is a highly concentrated magnesium sulfate fertilizer. It is available as a liquid fertilizer or dry preparation, where you should not forget to water extensively. Use Epsom s alt sparingly and always according to the manufacturer's instructions. The needles stay green and growth is slowed down.
Soil analysis provides reliable data
The appearance of brown needles should not be interpreted as a sure sign of deficiency. The only way to reliably determine whether a soil is nutrient-poor is to conduct a soil analysis. Likewise, the new needle color can also be caused by wetness, dryness, soil compaction or pests.
