Fulshear Tree Service

Gorgeous trees have always been an important part of our lifestyle

so when we bought here in Fulshear, we wanted a beautiful mixture of large Live Oaks, Cypress, Elms, Bois D’ Arcs, and Pecans. After experiencing unnerving toppling or leaning of large trees after high wind and a few ice events, I contacted Dr. Charlie Hall and Dr. Mike Arnold at Texas A&M and professor Dr. Carl Rosen at the University of Minnesota. All had been referred by people I trusted. I chose this route not only because of my respect for both school’s reputation, but I was worried that advice from a local tree company or arborist would be more motivated by selfish gain; I wanted scientific truth.

After a lot of listening and consequential research, I learned Fulshear’s soil and water table conditions are great for tree growth but bad for strong root formation because water table depth here is within easy reach of tree roots and much of the soil is sandy. Bottom line, lazy root structure is common here and when trees become very large, they are logically top heavy, therefore susceptible to collapsing or leaning. The solution was to deploy actions to lengthen and strengthen root systems and reduce wind resistance by thinning tree density. Using my own workers, we fed trees by deep root injection of an organically-based tree-feed concoction created by MicroLife (www.MicrolifeFertilizer.com). After one year I believe I have absolutely strengthened my root systems. In two cases we “righted” trees that began leaning by cabling to nearby trees.....each is now cable free and I believe feeding helped strengthen the roots and thinning will continue to prevent wind effect. I am a big believer in hydraulically driven, deep root injection. Hydraulic injection allows nutrients, including immobile elements, to be available to the tree more rapidly than any other root based system.

I formed FULSHEAR TREE SERVICE because I truly believe we can help you help your trees. We only fertilize using organic feeds which is more expensive than chemicals, but in the long run, organics are much better for your soil, and the health of your trees. My FTS tree team is well trained and educated, and our equipment is exceptional. We will continue to work with Texas A&M as both advisors and with student interns. We are bonded and insured and we will guarantee our results.

If you are not satisfied we will go back as many times as necessary to get things right. This is more than a business to me. It makes me feel really good to know we might have the opportunity to save or salvage trees that were here when our grandparents were children. I truly believe we will make a long term difference.

Following is an unedited article by Dr. Rosen that speaks the truth about tree fertilization. We wanted to share it with you so you would know, we understand the science of trees.

George Lane

FULSHEAR TREE SERVICE

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TREE fertilization WRITTEN BY JEFF GILLMAN, NURSERY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST & CARL ROSEN, EXTENSION SOIL SCIENTIST EDITED & ABRIDGED BY JACLYN RITTER

FULSHEAR TREE SERVICE is pleased to bring you this editorial written by Dr. Rosen and Dr. Gillman. Our goal is to preserve and protect every tree in the Fulshear area. Excluding your home, your trees are your most valuable asset on your property. Older trees, typically called trophy trees, are priceless…many are over 100 years old so you will never duplicate them in your lifetime. The information below will help you understand the importance of nutrients and proper fertilization. We use only organic fertilizers which will help build and sustain a stronger and deeper root system, which coupled with proper trimming, will protect your trees against harsh storm conditions, drought, and disease. We understand the science of trees.

The need for nutrients Trees require nutrients to live and thrive. When one or more of these nutrients are deficient in the soil, the tree will not reach its full landscape potential, will be more susceptible to disease and insect problems, and will have a shorter life than a similar, well-fertilized tree. The nutrients required by all plants, including trees, can be divided into two groups: macronutrients and micronutrients, based upon the quantity necessary for growth.

Macronutrients are required by plants in larger quantities than micronutrients. The macronutrients required by plants for growth include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). Addition of macronutrients, especially nitrogen, can result in improved growth while deficiencies can lead to slower growth and visible symptoms. Micronutrients, which are required in very small amounts, include iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), chlorine (Cl), and molybdenum (Mo).

Many fertilizer products are available to provide trees with the appropriate nutrients. Both organic (naturally occurring) and inorganic (synthetic) fertilizers can be used to supply plant nutrients. Inorganic fertilizers are usually highly soluble and are more rapidly available to the plant than organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers take time to break down and release nutrients more slowly. Organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers may be combined so that nutrients are available to a plant rapidly and for an extended period of time. Some inorganic fertilizers are coated with various products to slow down the release of nutrients. These are called slow release fertilizers and are used to extend the length of time nutrients are available to the plant.

Determining the need for fertilization Trees in urban and suburban environments are often under high stress conditions due to low moisture availability, soil compaction, physical damage, nearby construction, and competition from turf and nearby trees and shrubs. Fertilizer applications may reduce, but cannot eliminate, environmental stresses such as these.

It is important to keep newly planted trees watered and pruned and to keep weeds away from their bases to avoid excess stress.

The best indicator of whether fertilization is necessary is a soil test. Ideally, a soil sample should be taken before trees are planted. Fulshear Tree Service recommends taking additional samples every 3 to 5 years thereafter to determine whether any nutrients are lacking.

In the absence of a soil test, the best indicator of the need for additional fertilization of established trees is shoot growth. If new shoot growth (growth occurring in the present year) is under 2 inches, then fertilizer applications are appropriate.

Foliage color is another indicator of the need for fertilization. Yellow or “off-color” leaves may indicate the need for fertilization as these symptoms generally occur on trees which are not taking up enough of one or more required nutrient. Remember that “off-color” leaves are normal for certain plants such as ‘Sunburst’ Honey locust and some maple and ash trees in the fall.

When to fertilize Most trees experience a single flush of growth during spring followed by slower growth throughout the summer and fall. Because of this single flush of growth, it is desirable to have nutrients available to the tree as this growth is about to occur. The most beneficial time to apply fertilizer is from when the ground is workable in the spring until just before trees start growing in early May. On sandy soils, applications should be split, half in early spring and half in mid- to late May. If a tree shows yellowing, extremely slow growth, or some other sign which might indicate a nutrient deficiency, then fertilizer can be applied at any time during the growing season. If fertilizer must be applied under the hot, dry conditions of the summer, it is important to provide water for the tree soon after fertilizer is applied so that salts from the fertilizer don’t build up and damage the tree’s root system. Two to three inches of water (as measured by a rain gauge) applied every two or three weeks around the area where fertilizer was applied will be sufficient to wet the top 1-1 1/2 feet of most soils.

Sandier soils will require lighter, more frequent watering while clay-based soils will require heavier watering less frequently.

What to apply Unless a tree is deficient in some other element, increased nitrogen provides the most pronounced effects on the growth of all plant nutrients. Just because an increase in nitrogen produces a more visible increase in growth, it does not mean that other elements are not required. A soil test provides the best indicator of elements that may need to be added to the soil to prevent nutrient problems. High rates of potassium fertilizer should not be used unless a need is indicated by a soil test. If soil test P is high then it is best to use fertilizers such as 24-0-15, 30-0-10, 32-3-10, 18-5-9, 273-3, or 16-4-8 with a high rate of N and a low or zero rate of P. High rates of P can negatively affect the environment by causing excessive algae to grow in nearby lakes and streams which will, in time, kill fish and other aquatic life.

Never use a fertilizer that includes any kind of herbicide around a tree. These fertilizers may be beneficial to turf, but can damage trees.

Application methods & rates Landscape plants typically go through 3 stages of nitrogen need: a) newly planted stage, 1-2 years after planting; b) young rapid growth stage; 3-5 years after planting; and c) mature, maintenance stage, 5 or more years after planting. Nitrogen needs should be adjusted to account for the stage of growth.

Growth stage 1

Growth stage 2

Planting to newly planted

Rapid growth on young trees & shrubs

During the newly planted phase, quick release nitrogen levels should not exceed 0.1 lb N/100 sq. ft. per year. Slow release and natural organic fertilizers can be incorporated into the backfill soil. Quick release fertilizers should be broadcast after planting and then watered in. Do not mix quick release forms with the soil used to backfill the planting hole, because direct contact with fertilizer will burn the roots. If a soil test shows low P or K, then the best time to add these elements is when the tree is planted.

During the rapid growth phase, the N rate should be 0.2 to 0.4 lb N/100 sq. ft. per year. A low maintenance level should be used in situations that restrict growth (eg. slow growing and dwarf species, dry or compacted soils, and where the plant has a restricted root zone). For trees in lawn areas, do not exceed 0.1 lb N/100 sq. ft. per application unless a slow release or natural fertilizer is used. Higher rates will burn the grass.

Growth stage 3

Maintaining maturing trees & shrubs As trees and shrubs mature and growth rate naturally slows down, the need for N drops. The purpose of this low maintenance level is to maintain landscape plants in a healthy condition without excessive vegetative growth.

Plants respond best to surface applications of nitrogen fertilizer which are broadcast over the area where the roots of the tree lie, a radius of about 12.5 feet from the center of an established tree (encompassing about 500 square feet).

Dry or granular fertilizers can be applied by hand or with the use of a mechanical spreader. Trees should always be watered around the area of fertilizer application soon after fertilizer has been applied. This helps to ensure that the fertilizer will move down to the trees’ root system before it can be taken up by weeds or grass.

For established trees requiring phosphorus or potassium, or to apply a higher rate of fertilizer than 0.1 pound of actual nitrogen per 100 square feet, fertilizer can be applied using the drill-hole method. This method is advantageous for supplying phosphorus and potassium to trees because these nutrients are relatively immobile in soils; drilling holes will reduce soil compaction and increase aeration. Generally, the drill-hole method is only used by professional landscapers for high value trees and trees under extreme nutrient stress.

The drill-hole application method involves digging holes 2 feet apart with a soil auger in a grid pattern with the tree at the center of this pattern. Holes should begin 3 feet from the trunk of the tree and should be 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter and 1 - 1 1/2 feet deep. The holes should be drilled in a series of parallel lines under the spread of the tree and extending 2 feet beyond the dripline. For columnar trees, holes should be drilled 4 to 6 feet beyond the dripline.

Avoid major roots whenever possible. To calculate the amount of fertilizer to place into each hole, use the following formula: (100/analysis of N in fertilizer) x 0.12 = amount of fertilizer to add to each hole in teaspoons. After the holes are dug, place the recommended quantity of fertilizer in each hole, water the fertilizer in, and refill the holes.

Hydraulic injection of liquid fertilizers into the root zone of the tree is an acceptable way to provide nutrients. The use of specialized equipment and fertilizers increases cost, however, when a large number of trees need to be fertilized this system may be economical. Hydraulic injection allows nutrients, including immobile elements, to be available to the tree more rapidly than any other root based system.

Remember that plant nutrition is a balancing act and that too much fertilizer, as well as too little, can negatively affect the growth and well-being of your trees and lawn. The correct amount will keep trees healthy and enhance landscape beauty. d

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We Understand the Science of Trees TRIMMING • INSTALLATION • IRRIGATION • FEEDING • SOIL TESTING

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