At the beginning of the season, it is important to fertilize your fruit trees. They need nitrogen, first and foremost, and they need a lower pH in order for the roots to get the nutrients they need. Many times you will see a chlorosis problem due to a high pH and not just lack of iron or zinc. There could be plenty of iron, but if the pH of the soil prevents it from taking the iron in then you have a problem.

It is for this reason that I choose to fertilize with a soil acidifier formulated fertilizer like Miracid or another brand that is usually 30-10-10 with trace elements, particularly sulfur. It is equally important to get it down to the roots so the grass doesn’t steal most of the nutrients before it soaks down. For this I use a Ross Root Feeder.

As for the amount, it depends on a number of conditions. In this photo I used the miracle grow spray fertilizer hooked up to the root feeder, however, I have since purchased a Ross Tree Root Feeder which is easier since it is all one unit. I let it go for 2-3 minutes total in multiple holes around the drip line.

Doing this every year right before blossoming will give the tree much needed help in growing great fruit.

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