Q&A for How to Fertilize Fruit Trees

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Our apple trees are 5 years old and have never produced fruit. They start to blossom, but then the flowers fall off. What should I do?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

If the trees have never been fertilized, start with a small application in the early spring. Give them a good pruning, too, if you haven't done this lately.

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What is the best time to fertilize peach trees?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

The best time to fertilize peach trees is in the early Spring.

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What type of fertilizer do fruit trees need?

Community Answer

Fruit trees need a fertilizer that's equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.

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What ratio of fertilizer should be used?

Community Answer

You want a balanced N-P-K ratio. This means the N-P-K ratio on your fertilizer should read something like 10-10-10 and 12-12-12. Most fruit trees respond well to an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10.

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Do you need to add water after applying fertilizer?

Community Answer

You may need to mix water into your fertilizer prior to use. Refer to the instructions manual for answers. As for water your fruit trees, that depends on your region and the amount of rain that year.

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Can I fertilize the trees when they have fruit?

Community Answer

Yes, it is not harmful in any way, just use a balanced NPK ratio depending on the type of tree.

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What do I do if my avocado tree isn't producing?

Community Answer

You might have planted it in an unsuitable area. Try to find out what kind of soil you have, because you might need to plant it somewhere else.

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Question

Can I fertilize in winter instead of autumn?

Community Answer

Yes, this is the only time I fertilize my apple and pear trees, and we have a very good return of fruit every year.

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Do I need to remove the ground cover around my fruit trees if I want to fertilize them with a granular fertilizer?

Community Answer

No, just water the mulch well, or it may take a few weeks and a good deal of rainfall for the fertilizer to work its way through heavy mulch to the soil. Distribute the fertilizer at least a foot away from the tree.

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What do you recommend to combat plum curculio on peach fruit, and to fight early fruit drop?

Community Answer

It’s not organic, but the only thing I have found that works is Sevin. I use a sprayer to apply. I tried many other organic brands and didn’t have any luck stopping those pesky worms. I spray just after the blossoms fall when the fruit is very small, and then again about every 4 weeks until ripe. I’ve lost entire years of peaches when I didn’t get them sprayed early enough after fruiting.

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Question

What fertilizer is best for mango trees?

Sylghouls

Top Answerer

Commonly-available fertilizer mixes that are satisfactory for mango trees include 6-6-6 and 8-3-9-2 (the 2 indicating magnesium). Fertilize once a month for young trees, three to four times a year for large trees.

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