Trees in the forest don't need us to fertilize them, because they have plenty of natural fertilizer, be it from fallen leaves and needles that rot and provide food, or from deer and raccoons who leave nice little deposits. All the toppings on the soil protect the tree from drying out and provide the tree with nourishment. But we don't live in the forest, and neither do our trees. Therefore, it is up to us to care for our trees by fertilizing them.

First, you need a flower bed around the base of the tree as far as the drip line. If you don't want to have a huge bed, at least make one two to three feet from the base of the trunk to avoid lawnmower damage. You could also make beds along fence lines and around your house, because trees will send their roots out to areas where they know there is food. If your grass grows right up to the trunk of the tree, use a contact weed killer like Roundup®, and spray it on the grass. Two weeks later, you'll see what you missed (it'll still be green) and you can spray it. You now have a flower bed that you can mulch, plant with flowers or leave alone.

Determine the correct fertilizer for your soil type. In Central Florida, I recommend 16-4-8, 25% sulfur-coated slow release fertilizer. The sulfur in the fertilizer helps the materials on the soil decompose faster which feeds the tree, and helps it turn green. The slow-release causes the nitrogen (which makes the plants grow faster) to hold back so the tree can have some later on, instead of bombarding it all at once with a bunch of nutrition. Throw about one hand full every 3 feet in the flowerbeds, and not right up against the trunk. Many people believe that to feed a tree, everything needs to be as close to the trunk as possible, but trees often send their roots over 1,000 feet PAST the end of their limbs. Those are the little feeder roots that do the collecting of water and nutrients.

For trees that need to be greener and slow down their growth rate, I recommend Cambistat. It is a growth regulator that slows down the growth of the branches, but increases root growth, so the tree is able to divert more of its food production into defense and storage. This product must be applied by a professional who is licensed to apply pesticides or chemicals to plants.

In January 2008, a law was passed in Florida that limits the amount of fertilizer with Nitrogen and Phosphorus that can be used. If a tree is stressed and you believe that the soil is deficient, you may need to have a soil test done to justify using the fertilizer more than twice a year. When in doubt, contact your county extension office, and they will gladly give you the help and advice you need.