Autumn fertilizing of apple trees: important features

Apple trees are found in many gardens. This undemanding tree, which produces a bountiful harvest with proper care, is a favorite among gardeners. Beginning growers believe that fruit trees require fertilizing only during the spring, when they prepare for flowering and fruiting. However, before winter, apple trees need vitamins and minerals just as much, making autumn fertilizing essential!

Gardeners who love their craft know that producing a high-quality harvest requires a lot of effort. Fertilization is especially valuable in regions with harsh and prolonged winters.

When is the best time to fertilize?

Much depends on the correct timing of autumn fertilizing of apple trees. If fertilizer is applied before the first frost, the tree will have time to fully absorb it and, therefore, be ready for the coming winter.

According to experts, stopping watering trees in the first month of autumn – September – helps increase frost resistance.

In most areas, gardeners have about 5 to 7 weeks before the first snowfall. This is enough time to carry out the necessary fertilizing of apple trees. Soil exposed to the first frost is unable to absorb and process nutrients introduced from outside.

For regions where frosts arrive late, autumn fertilizing of apple trees is recommended in October. Experience shows that the optimal time to complete the work is November 15. The timing is based on the latitude of the plantings and the average annual temperature.

What is important to do before applying fertilizer?

Preparing the tree for winter begins with cleaning procedures. First, inspect the trunk for moss and lichen. If present, carefully remove them, after covering the ground around the apple tree with plastic wrap or newspaper.

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Another essential procedure is sanitary pruning. Dead, broken, and diseased branches are removed. The cut areas are always treated with garden pitch. This substance is also used if any defects are discovered on the tree.

Specialty stores offer antiseptics. They're a must-have for any gardener. Protecting against mold and mildew is just as important for preparing a tree for winter as fertilizing apple trees in the fall. After the antiseptic has completely dried, the trunks are whitewashed. This will protect the trunks not only from rodents and pests but also from sun rays reflected off the snow, which can scorch the trunk.

What and how

When choosing a fertilizer, it's recommended to consider the soil condition of the site. First, determine the soil's acidity. In the absence of other explanations, high alkalinity or acidity can often be the cause of low yields.

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About mineral fertilizers

Fall fertilization of apple trees is often accomplished with mineral fertilizers. Phosphorus or potassium-based fertilizers are used for this purpose. Nitrogen-based fertilizers are more suitable for spring applications, as they negatively impact winter hardiness. Mineral fertilizers are always applied as close as possible to the tree's root system. A commonly used fertilizer is double superphosphate.

There are certain dosages of fertilizers:

1. Phosphorus - from 35 to 50 g are added per 1 square meter.
2. Potassium – 20 grams per square meter of the tree trunk circle.

In general, before applying any mineral fertilizer, it is important to read the instructions and strictly follow the standards specified therein.

Organics

Fruit tree fertilization was practiced long before industry introduced ready-made fertilizers. In rural areas, autumn fertilization of apple trees was done using humus, compost, or manure. These should be applied to the entire area covered by the root system. This can be determined most accurately in the summer by simply noting the edges of the shadow formed by the crown at midday.

Organic matter can burn tree roots if the substances have not decomposed sufficiently.

Variety of methods

Fertilizing apple trees is done using two methods:

Foliar

In this case, fertilizers are applied directly to the trunk and shoots. A spray bottle is the most convenient method. For this method of fertilizing fruit crops, a urea solution is used. To prepare it, you need 40 grams of the solution per liter of liquid (water). The resulting solution is applied to the leaves and bark.

Autumn foliar feeding is not necessary. This is because at this time, trees receive most of their nutrients through their roots.

Root

The unique feature of this method is that the fertilizer is distributed across the entire root zone. Typically, the radius is 50-60 cm, measured from the trunk. It is in this zone that the thinnest root shoots are found, which absorb the majority of the fertilizer.

The first step in root feeding an apple tree in the fall is spraying the trunk with a 2% copper sulfate solution. Next, dig the soil around the trunk, at a slight indentation, to a depth of no more than 40 cm. Fill the resulting trenches with fertilizer and cover with soil. A mulch layer of sawdust, dry leaves, and peat is essential.

Features of feeding

When determining the amount, type, and application method, it's important to consider the tree's age, variety, and root system development. If an apple tree receives an excessive amount of minerals in the fall, shoots may begin to grow prematurely, the bark's winter hardiness will be significantly reduced, and, as a result, the tree will freeze.

Age of the tree

Young apple trees and seedlings require especially careful attention. Avoid using large doses of non-organic fertilizers.

Mature and old trees require a different approach. Fertilizer is applied to holes no deeper than 40 cm. The holes are dug around the perimeter.

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The focus is on the variety

The apple tree variety also influences the amount of fertilizer applied. Dwarf varieties of this fruit tree are often found in gardens today. The amount of any fertilizer used for top dressing is reduced by 30% compared to standard varieties.

Columnar apple trees have root systems located quite close to the soil surface. Therefore, applying fertilizer directly to the roots is unsuitable due to the high risk of damaging the roots. A better solution is to scatter the fertilizer over the surface, gently mix it into the top layer, and then water thoroughly.

Some tips for those just starting out

When growing apple trees, or any other crop, the principle of "more is better" can't be followed. To grow a tree that produces a good harvest, it's important to strike a balance in terms of fertilizer application and opt for organic matter.

Purchase tests or litmus paper from specialized stores to determine the properties of the soil in your area.

If the autumn is rainy, dry forms of fertilizer can be added to the soil.

Throughout the winter, Vienna, and summer, collect vegetable peelings, fruit, dried leaves, and grass clippings in a compost bin. As this mixture rots, it will become a high-quality organic fertilizer by fall. This type of fertilizer is the most preferred for apple trees and other crops.

Autumn fertilization of apple trees and preventative work carried out beforehand increase the likelihood that the tree will survive even the most severe frosts, producing a good harvest in terms of volume and taste during the fruiting period.