COMMENTS (68, 69, 95, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 106, 654, 655)

95     Do not lime the soil unless the soil pH is less than 5.0.  Consult the Home and Garden Information Center at 1-888-656-9988 for liming recommendations if the soil pH is less than 5.0.  When liming, use dolomitic limestone.  (Recommendation when the soil pH is less than 5.0)

98     Trees are sensitive to magnesium deficiency, therefore follow the magnesium fertilizer recommendation when given.  Magnesium may be included in an applied fertilizer formulation.  (Recommendation when soil test magnesium is low)

99        Caution: FOR SQUARE FOOTAGE:  Trees are sensitive to “over-fertilization,” particularly for nitrogen and phosphorus.  Care is advised when surrounding turf or ornamental plants are being fertilized, by keeping applied turf and ornamental fertilizer at least 30 feet from the base of the tree.  Do not apply fertilizer to a newly planted tree until new growth begins.  Do not apply fertilizer during the winter months.  Do not place the fertilizer in a band around the tree, but evenly distribute over the application area.

100      FOR SQUARE FOOTAGE:  Evenly apply over a 10 by 10 foot area around the tree, 0.5 lbs 12-4-12 or comparable fertilizer, preferably a slow-release formulation when spring growth begins.  In the southern half of the state, repeat the fertilizer application one more time during the growing season (April to September), and do not apply fertilizer after August 1.  (Recommendation when phosphorus and potassium soil tests are L-L, L-M, M-L, M-M) 

101      FOR SQUARE FOOTAGE:  Evenly apply over a 10 by 10 foot area around the tree, 0.5 lbs 12-6-6 or comparable fertilizer, preferably a slow-release formulation.  In the southern half of the state, repeat the fertilizer application one more time during the growing season (April to September), and do not apply fertilizer after August 1.  (Recommendation when phosphorus and potassium soil tests are L-S, L-H, L-EX, M-S, M-H, M-EX) 

102      FOR SQUARE FOOTAGE:  Evenly apply over a 10 by 10 foot area around the tree, 0.5 lb 15-0-15 or comparable fertilizer, preferably a slow-release formulation.  In the southern half of the state, repeat the fertilizer application one more time during the growing season (April to September), and do not apply fertilizer after August 1.  (Recommendation when phosphorus and potassium soil tests are S-L, S-M, H-L, H-M, EX-L, EX-M) 

103      FOR SQUARE FOOTAGE:  Evenly apply over a 10 by 10 foot area around the tree, 0.25 lbs 34-0-0 or comparable fertilizer, preferably a slow-release formulation.  In the southern half of the state, repeat the fertilizer application one more time during the growing season (April to September), and do not apply fertilizer after August 1.  (Recommendation when phosphorus and potassium soil tests are S-S, S-H, S-EX, H-S, H-H, H-EX, EX-S, EX-H, EX-EX)

106      FOR ACREAGE:  Pine tree fertilization is justified on phosphorus deficient flatwood sites where pine straw is to be aggressively raked annually or semi-annually for a period of 5 to 10 years and late rotation (post thinning) where one is putting extra wood on higher value products (sawtimber and poles). 

Needle samples should be taken in the dormant season (mid-December to early-February) from at least 6 – 10 dominant (tallest with good crown) trees per stand.  Collect samples from the south side, upper 1/3 of the crown, and first flush growth from a primary lateral branch.  Results can be used to determine the nutrient element status of the tree and provide justification for needed fertilization of the stand.

            PRIOR TO PLANTING:  Broadcast 185 lbs P2O5 per acre.

         FOR ESTABLISHED STANDS:  The timing and application rate for fertilization will depend on the stand conditions, age, plant spacing, stand use (pulp wood or lumber), and if an undergrowth exists.  Fertilization may benefit the undergrowth rather than the trees, depending on tree density and age.  Fertilization is recommended only when soil test phosphorus is low, broadcasting 100 lbs P2O5 per acre or when visual symptoms of phosphorus deficiency are evident including light green to yellow needles, sparse and/or short needles, few branches, and very poor growth (short trees with small diameters).  Nitrogen fertilization is not recommended when there exists a substantial under growth.  Therefore, do not apply nitrogen fertilizer unless there is excellent hardwood brush control.  The use of diammonium phosphate (DAP, 18-46-0) at 250 lbs per acre is recommended to stimulate growth if weed control chemicals have been applied 30 to 60 days prior of application.  (Recommendation for crop code 211)