I have a gorgeous Kwanza cherry tree. It’s as tall as my two-story home. The previous owner here had heavy plastic beneath the tree and there appeared to be some burlap around the bottom of the tree. Concerned, I called the tree expert. The expert suggested digging around the tree to remove the plastic and the burlap and to cut roots growing over the main roots. I did all that. He, also, suggesting fertilizing the tree. Considering I do not know whether it’s too late to “save” the tree with the digging I’ve done, I’m not certain I want to pay the expert’s $90.00 fee to fertilize. Of course, he claims they drill down into the ground and inject their fertilizer.

Here are my two questions: Can I fertilize the tree myself? and should I do this now or wait until the fall?

 

I've asked your fertilizing question to others before and I was told that you can feed it 15-15-15 and water thoroughly. I've also been told to dig holes (about 1-ft deep) at the tree's perimetry and pour or mix the fertizer with the dirt from the hole. 15-15-15 is your basic general purpose fertilizer. Perhaps your local garden center expert can suggest another more appropriate mix for your tree. See my recent post about my Chinese Elm.

 

I have a two story tall cherry tree also, and I am not young enough to plant one and see it grow that tall in my remaining lifetime. I spent the money for the deep root fertilization, and it really helped the overall health of the tree. Now, I spend the money every three years.

Hope you don't live in an area that has had some of the severe droughts of the past couple of years, or maybe, you are just younger than I am!!