Fertilize apple trees: with what and how?

Apple trees usually stay in the garden for decades and put down deep roots. Do you still have to fertilize them and if so, how?

An apple tree (Malus domestica) is native to many gardens. To ensure that your apple tree stays he althy and produces lots of fruit every year, you can support its development with the right fertilization. However, there is often uncertainty as to whether and if so, how an apple tree should be fertilized. But if you take good care of it, your apple tree will thank you with lush growth and a rich harvest.

So much can be revealed: when fertilizing apple trees, less is definitely more. But why do you have to fertilize your fruit trees at all? When is the best time and how to proceed when fertilizing apple trees? In this article we have summarized the answers to these questions for you.

Do you have to fertilize an apple tree?

The apple tree makes hardly any demands on its location and is relatively easy to care for. Targeted fertilization can nevertheless promote growth and fruit formation. Normally, however, fertilization is rarely necessary. Excessive nitrogen fertilization, however, tends to lead to excessive shoot growth. Water shoots form, which tend to be more susceptible to pests and other diseases. So over-fertilizing can jeopardize the he alth of the entire tree. Therefore, make sure you use balanced fertilization that is adapted to the stage of development of the tree.

Tip from the pro: Don't plant a new apple tree in the place of an old one. Soil fatigue can occur in species belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae).

When is the best time to fertilize apple trees?

You can fertilize your apple tree for the first time when planting in autumn (October/November). After the hibernation, you offer your tree ideal starting conditions so that it can grow well in spring. As a rule, it is sufficient if you mix the excavation from the planting hole with compost and the roots of the tree with itcover. Alternatively, an organic long-term fertilizer can also be used.

If you would like to know more about planting apple trees, please have a look at our article on this.

From the following year you can apply a basic fertilization in spring (March/April) and a second fertilization for fruit formation (end of June). In general, organic long-term fertilizers - such as our Plantura organic tomato fertilizer - are ideal. These are particularly gentle on your apple tree, the soil and the animals in your garden. Good compost can also be used as fertilizer.

From July you should then refrain from larger amounts of fertilizer to allow the new shoots to mature. After a last addition of compost in autumn, it is also advisable to cover the circular area around the trunk (the so-called tree disc) with leaves. To do this, simply sweep the fallen leaves of the apple tree towards the trunk.

Summary: When to Fertilize Apple Trees?

• Incorporate some compost or slow-release organic fertilizer into the soil before planting
• Basic fertilization in spring (March/April)
• Second fertilization for fruit formation in June
• Last compost application in autumn and mulch with leaves

Fertilize apple tree: which fertilizer should be used?

It is best to fertilize your apple tree with long-term organic fertilizers of organic quality. These are very well suited for the long-term supply of nutrients to fruit trees, because they release their nutrients in a "dosed" manner. In this way, leaching into the groundwater can be reduced. In addition, organic fertilizers promote he althy, active soil life and improve the soil structure in the long term. With mineral fertilizers, such as blue grain, the nutrients are very soluble. These can be taken up directly by the plant from the soil solution. At the same time, however, this property increases the risk of over-fertilization if used improperly. In contrast, organic fertilizers are much gentler on the environment and, if used correctly, support the development of your apple trees more sustainably.

Our Plantura organic tomato fertilizer is mainly made from organic, plant-based raw materials. These are slowly decomposed by the microorganisms from the soil. The high proportion of potassium and phosphorus not only benefits tomatoes, but also has a positive effect on the development of blossoms and fruit in your apple treeout of. Sufficient nitrogen also promotes the growth and leaf formation of your plants.

Fertilize apple tree: Instructions

For basic fertilization, you can spread mature compost on the tree disc and work it lightly into the soil. Depending on the size of the tree, the amount of fertilizer can be between one and four liters per tree. In addition, you can use organic commercial fertilizers for the nutrient supply. It is best to sprinkle the fertilizer granules on the tree disc to the extent of the crown. You can also dig about 30 to 50 cm deep holes in the lawn every 40 cm in the crown area in order to introduce the organic fertilizer there. Of course, fruit trees should be fertilized neither too much nor too little.

So that you can provide your apple tree with the right amount of nutrients, we have prepared precise fertilization instructions for you below:

Organic long-term fertilization: instructions and dosage amounts for apple trees

1. Before planting: Work 30 - 60 g/tree (2 to 5 heaped tablespoons) of our Plantura organic tomato fertilizer into the top soil layers
2. Water the soil and the inserted apple tree well so that the granulate can loosen
3. Fertilize around 50 - 150 g/tree (4 to 12 heaped tablespoons) around the tree disc in spring (March/April), depending on the size of the tree
4. A small dose of fertilizer for fruit formation (end of June) supports your apple tree again optimally

Tip from the professional: If the tree disc is covered with grass, you can also dissolve the fertilizer granules in water and then water the apple tree with it.