fertilising collected trees

[matty-j]

hey everyone

so i have collected a few trees now and was wondering how soon can i use fert on a newly collected material?
i was thinking once new growth is seen?
thats just a guess tho

thanks in advance

[kcpoole]

Yep once you see positive new growth.
Beware of initial growth from only the residual stored energy,
deciduous trees, 4 - 8 weeks, others 2 - 4 months

In the meantime just seasol or other tonic.

Ken

[shibui]

Matty,
the stated reason for not fertilising freshly potted stock is supposed to be to avoid 'burning' freshly cut roots or very new roots. Personally I question this. Many growers use osmocote in the potting mix and this should start releasing fert as soon as it gets wet so the cut roots will have fert around them but the trees grow on well for us! so why, if you are not using slow release in the mix, shouldn't you be able to apply other types of fertiliser???? I know this is going to stir a bit of controversy but this is my opinion after many years of growing bonsai and other plants.

Many trees will produce new growth using stored reserves in the trunks well before they have produced new roots. Many will produce quite extensive growth then die off because no roots have grown (Could this be the reason behind the myth of fertiliser killing newly potted trees?) so the question is how long to wait. I would be happy to use light applications of fert on newly collected material, especially soluble ones as a foliar feed.

[Craig]

Matty, This is a subject i have personally been trying. I don't do it all the time but i do fertilise newly collected trees before signs of reconery. So far I haven't noticed any bad side affects, actually I'm beginning to believe it can be of benefit. I'm not saying you should or you shouldn't .

[matty-j]

thanks ken i have no patience some times i just want to feed them now!!

shibui i dont know about anyone else but that gave me some food for thought

bad jokes seem to get thrown around a lot here ive noticed thought i would
get on board

thanks craig i dont think ill be too quick to fertilise just yet, ill play it safe i think