Living things need to eat rich, nutritional food to grow and be healthy. Like humans, trees and plants require essential nutrients to survive and thrive. When a tree has too much or too little nutrition, it grows weak and becomes vulnerable to pests and disease. Trees absorb their food through the soil, in addition to needing moisture and sunlight.

 

Here are the mineral nutrients your tree requires:

 

What Trees Need to Thrive

 

1. Primary macronutrients

Trees need a greater quantity of the following minerals:

  • Nitrogen (N) – One of the elements composing chlorophyll. Nitrogen helps a tree or plant convert water, sunlight and soil into its food. It stimulates the growth of leaves and contributes to their vibrant green colour.
  • Phosphorus (P) – Responsible for the proper growth of roots. It also helps a tree produce seeds, flowers, and fruit. It strengthens the tree, making it less vulnerable to disease.
  • Potassium (K) – When the tree has sufficient potassium, it yields healthy fruit. Potassium also protects the tree from harm during cold seasons. It works with phosphorus to shield the tree from disease and to help it recover from sickness.

What Trees Need to Thrive

2. Secondary macronutrients

These nutrients are normally already present (in varying amounts) in the ground. They should not be added to the soil unless needed.

  • Calcium (Ca) – Builds plant cell walls and fortifies tree stems.
  • Magnesium (Mg) – Another component of chlorophyll. It also plays a part in the production of plant enzymes to spur tree growth.
  • Sulfur (S) – Mainly needed by trees to make protein. It also functions in creating chlorophyll, generating seeds, and enhancing root and overall plant growth.

What Trees Need to Thrive

3. Micronutrients

Trees need a regular “diet” of micronutrients, in small amounts. Like the secondary macronutrients, they should only be added to a tree’s soil if an arborist deems it necessary.

  • Boron (B) – Controls and balances other nutrients. It is also needed for the tree to form fruits and seeds.
  • Copper (Cu) – An essential part of reproduction. It aids a tree in absorbtion and digestion of nutrients through the roots.
  • Chloride (Cl) – Similar to copper, chloride improves the tree’s metabolic processes.
  • Iron (fe) – Also needed to create chlorophyll.
  • Manganese (Mn) – Supports enzymes in digesting carbohydrates and converting nitrogen.
  • Molybdenum (Mo) – Another mineral utilized for transforming nitrogen.
  • Zinc (Zn) – A component of the enzymes that control growth

To treat a nutrient deficiency, a tree can receive supplements through fertilizer. However, only a qualified arborist can correctly evaluate a tree’s nutritional needs through investigation and soil analysis. Consult with a tree care expert to help you choose the right fertilizer for your tree.

If you have concerns about your tree’s nutritional needs call Great Northern Regreenery, tree care specialists in Alliston, Aurora, Bradford, and Newmarket: (905) 775-7444. Let us help you nourish and nurture your tree.