Fertilizing and Trimming A Fire Stressed Large Oak Tree - Ask Extension
I have a 125 foot Oak tree, which was partially burned/scorched by a large garage fire in February. About 20-25% of the limbs are blackened and not p...
Knowledgebase
Fertilizing and Trimming A Fire Stressed Large Oak Tree #868270
Asked May 13, 2024, 5:22 PM EDT
I have a 125 foot Oak tree, which was partially burned/scorched by a large garage fire in February. About 20-25% of the limbs are blackened and not producing new leaves this spring. A local tree service recommends we wait until the tree is dormant this winter to remove the dead limbs and in the mean time fertilize the tree. The tree has mostly impermeable driveways and a street over its root system with only about 30% permeable soil above the root system. Questions: 1) When should I have the tree damage trimmed? 2) When and how should I fertilize and 3) What fertilizer should I use?
Barry County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Don,
Sorry to hear about your oak tree.
I agree with the recommendation to wait until next fall's dormant cycle to trim the dead branches off of the tree. You might make a note this summer about which branches are dead in order to guide them (although they can determine which branches are dead by the lack of buds formed at the tips of branches).
For fertilizer, it's best to use a 10-10-10 mix. The three numbers represent the ratio of nitrogen (N), which promotes leafy growth, phosphorus (P), which promotes root development, and potassium (K), which promotes overall health in the tree. So, any mix that lists 10-10-10 on the label should be ok to use. Follow label directions on application of the fertilizer.
It is also a good idea to be mindful of the amount of water the tree is receiving. We've had a good wet spring, but if that tapers off in the summer months you will want to water the tree. Best practice is to water the tree once every 5 days if it has not rained, you can lay the hose at the base of the tree and let it run for 30 minutes or so on a steady trickle. This will eliminate drought stress on the tree.
I do hope the tree does well this summer and for years to come!
Thank you,
-Julie
Sorry to hear about your oak tree.
I agree with the recommendation to wait until next fall's dormant cycle to trim the dead branches off of the tree. You might make a note this summer about which branches are dead in order to guide them (although they can determine which branches are dead by the lack of buds formed at the tips of branches).
For fertilizer, it's best to use a 10-10-10 mix. The three numbers represent the ratio of nitrogen (N), which promotes leafy growth, phosphorus (P), which promotes root development, and potassium (K), which promotes overall health in the tree. So, any mix that lists 10-10-10 on the label should be ok to use. Follow label directions on application of the fertilizer.
It is also a good idea to be mindful of the amount of water the tree is receiving. We've had a good wet spring, but if that tapers off in the summer months you will want to water the tree. Best practice is to water the tree once every 5 days if it has not rained, you can lay the hose at the base of the tree and let it run for 30 minutes or so on a steady trickle. This will eliminate drought stress on the tree.
I do hope the tree does well this summer and for years to come!
Thank you,
-Julie
Julie,
Thank you for your response and the valuable information. We'll care for the tree as you recommended and keep our fingers crossed.
Don Dawson
_____________________________________________________
On 05/15/2024 8:52 AM EDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
