COMMENTS (68, 69, 88, 91, 92, 93, 94, 98, 99, 654, 655)

88      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 5.5.  When liming, use dolomitic limestone.  (Recommendation when the soil pH is less than 5.5)

91        Evenly apply over a 10 by 10 foot area around the tree, 1.0 lbs 12-4-12 or comparable fertilizer, preferably a slow-release formulation when spring growth begins.  In the sandy soils of the southern half of the state, repeat the fertilizer application 3 times during the growing season (April to September).  For trees planted in the Piedmont, reduce the application times to 2, cut the fertilizer rate in half for clay soils, and do not apply fertilizer after September 1.  (Recommendation when phosphorus and potassium soil tests are L-L, L-M, M-L, M-M) 

92        Evenly apply over a 10 by 10 foot area around the tree, 1.0 lbs 12-6-6 or comparable fertilizer, preferably a slow-release formulation.  In the sandy soils of the southern half of the state, repeat the fertilizer application 3 times during the growing season (April to September).  For trees planted in the Piedmont, reduce the application times to 2, cut the fertilizer rate in half for clay soils, and do not apply fertilizer after September 1.  (Recommendation when phosphorus and potassium soil tests are L-S, L-H, L-EX, M-S, M-H, M-EX) 

93        Evenly apply over a 10 by 10 foot area around the tree, 0.8 lb 15-0-15 or comparable fertilizer, preferably a slow-release formulation containing iron.  In the sandy soils of the southern half of the state, repeat the fertilizer application 3 times during the growing season (April to September).  For trees planted in the Piedmont, reduce the application times to 2, cut the fertilizer rate in half for clay soils, and do not apply fertilizer after September 1.  (Recommendation when phosphorus and potassium soil tests are S-L, S-M, H-L, H-M, EX-L, EX-M) 

94        Evenly apply over a 10 by 10 foot area around the tree, 0.4 lbs 34-0-0 or comparable fertilizer, preferably a slow-release formulation.  In the sandy soils of the southern half of the state, repeat the fertilizer application 3 times during the growing season (April to September).  For trees planted in the Piedmont, reduce the application times to 2, cut the fertilizer rate in half for clay soils, and do not apply fertilizer after September 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) 

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.