How to Fertilize Fruit Trees for an Abundant Harvest Year After Year, According to Farmers

There is nothing quite like the joy of picking fresh fruit from your own fruit tree. To achieve a steady and plentiful harvest, it is essential to fertilize your tree throughout the growing season. Fertilizing fruit trees is crucial for their health and productivity; especially if nutrients in your soil are lacking. Supplying essential nutrients can increase fruit size and yield, resulting in a more plentiful and flavorful harvest. Well-nourished trees are also more resilient to pests and diseases, ensuring they thrive for many years. Here, fruit tree experts reveal their top tips for fertilizing fruit trees, ensuring an abundance of delicious fruit. 

The Best Time to Fertilize Fruit Trees

Aim to fertilize fruit trees in spring or early summer. This timing allows the trees to absorb nutrients they can use for new growth and fruit production, says Lauren St. Germain Kidd, the owner of Kidd Family Farm. While fertilizing in spring is ideal, you can also apply a slow-release, granular fertilizer in the fall. Fall rains can dissolve the granules and deliver nutrients to the root zones, Mary Godinez, the owner of Cross Keys Farm. While the nutrients may take several months to reach the roots, since tree roots continue to grow in the fall and winter, they can absorb nutrients during that time, ensuring the tree has energy for spring growth.

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Best Fertilizers for Fruit Trees

Fertilizers with an NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) ratio of 10-10-10 are widely used to fertilize fruit trees, as these nutrients are essential for healthy growth, developing a strong root system, and producing fruit. There are two types: Granular and liquid. Granular fertilizer is a slow-release option, while liquid fertilizer provides immediate nutrient delivery. 

Compost, rich in organic matter, is also an effective fertilizer for fruit trees. It provides a slow release of essential nutrients, enhances soil quality, and retains moisture. Additionally, fish meal and kelp are excellent organic fertilizers for fruit trees. They provide a broad mix of nutrients, enrich the soil with nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, and enhance microbial activity.

Perform a Soil Test Before Fertilizing

If your soil is healthy and fertile, you may not need to fertilize at all. Conducting a soil test will eliminate the guesswork when choosing the right type and amount of fertilizer for your trees, as using too much fertilizer or the incorrect type can severely damage them. "Get a soil test done using the soil from where your trees are growing," says Godinez. "Your local extension agent can provide the necessary testing kit." Only apply the fertilizer that the soil test recommends.

How to Fertilize Fruit Trees

Fertilize your fruit trees in spring or early summer once the threat of frost has passed. Use the results from your soil test to tell you the type of fertilizer to apply. If your soil is nutrient-rich, fertilizing may be unnecessary. Always follow the instructions on the package to avoid over-fertilizing. 

Applying Granular Fertilizer

A granular fertilizer needs to be watered well to ensure it dissolves all the way. This type of fertilizer will release nutrients slowly into the soil.

1. Clear weeds and grass from under your tree, as weeds can steal the nutrients the fertilizer provides.
2. Follow the label instructions to determine the correct amount of fertilizer for the tree's age and size. Generally, you will need to measure the tree's trunk diameter (1 foot above the ground) and use the recommended amount per inch of diameter.
3. Once you have the calculated amount, spread the fertilizer evenly around the drip line, which is the outer edge of the tree's canopy. Keep the fertilizer away from the trunk to prevent nutrient burns, which can damage or kill the tree.
4. Water the area well to ensure the fertilizer properly dissolves.

Applying Liquid Fertilizer

A liquid fertilizer is diluted with water and sprayed around the fruit tree. It delivers nutrients faster than a granular fertilizer. 

1. To mix the liquid fertilizer with water, follow the instructions on the packet.
2. Pour or spray the diluted liquid fertilizer around the drip line of the fruit tree.
3. After applying the fertilizer, water the area thoroughly to help the fertilizer reach the roots.

Topdressing the Fruit Tree

Topdressing fruit trees for fertilization involves applying a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost around the base of the fruit tree. This technique provides a slow-release source of nutrients for the tree and enhances soil health. "Topdressing will increase water retention, improve soil structure, and support earthworms and microorganisms, which then contribute to nutrients in the soil," says Kidd.

When Not to Fertilize Fruit Trees

Our experts say to avoid fertilizing fruit trees during the following periods to ensure healthy, abundant growth. 

• After planting: Do not fertilize newly planted fruit trees. The tree's energy is focused on establishing its root system, and fertilizing during this time can be harmful as it may hinder root growth. Wait until the soil has settled around the roots, which typically takes about three weeks, before applying fertilizer.
• Mid- to late-summer: Fertilizing in early summer is beneficial, but doing so during the hot, dry summer months can damage your plants, says Godinez. She explains that non-organic fertilizers contain salts, causing plants to lose moisture, which can be especially harmful during the hottest days of summer. She says to only fertilize during this season if you're incorporating it into your irrigation water.
• During winter: Avoid applying fertilizer in winter. According to Kidd, fertilizing too early can cause a growth spurt that frost may damage. Fruit trees such as peaches, nectarines, and apricots are particularly susceptible to early frost damage. If severely impacted, they may not produce fruit the following year.