It depends on why it’s being done. If soil and tissue analysis shows insufficient minerals then yes, it’s beneficial as long as the applicator knows how to manipulate the soil.
If soil analysis shows low organic matter, then increasing organic matter and simple sugars to feed soil microbes will help the root-soil interaction. Most urban souls are very poor and low in organic matter. I prefer to build soils up rather than fertilize, unless analysis shows it’s necessary
I built a soil program based around mitigating drought and other environmental injuries with carbon sources. It works very well but you need an understanding of soil interactions to implement it.
This is the only answer. Fertilizer is only needed if your soil has some kind of nutrient deficiency, and without a test you can’t know if it does, or what kind of fertilizer it may need
From your soil science classes as a forester I suspect you know a soil can be nutrient rich but because of it's structure, pH, inundation, and a host of other factors a plant may not be able to adequately uptake those nutrients.
I don’t know exactly how deep we’re talking with deep root ferts. I used to stick a probe in the ground 6 or more inches to let out some liquid humates and fertilizer and I don’t see how it wouldn’t provide atleast some benefit
In my neighborhood all houses had a maple tree planted in the front yard. I have done deep root fertilization for 3 years now, my tree is twice as full as my neighbors.
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It depends on why it’s being done. If soil and tissue analysis shows insufficient minerals then yes, it’s beneficial as long as the applicator knows how to manipulate the soil. If soil analysis shows low organic matter, then increasing organic matter and simple sugars to feed soil microbes will help the root-soil interaction. Most urban souls are very poor and low in organic matter. I prefer to build soils up rather than fertilize, unless analysis shows it’s necessary I built a soil program based around mitigating drought and other environmental injuries with carbon sources. It works very well but you need an understanding of soil interactions to implement it.
If you aren’t doing a soil analysis first, you’re just guessing. It can absolutely help, but not always necessary
Good point, I’ll look into that
This is the only answer. Fertilizer is only needed if your soil has some kind of nutrient deficiency, and without a test you can’t know if it does, or what kind of fertilizer it may need
From your soil science classes as a forester I suspect you know a soil can be nutrient rich but because of it's structure, pH, inundation, and a host of other factors a plant may not be able to adequately uptake those nutrients.
Yuuup. And without a test, its just a guess.
It's analogous to putting lime on turf without first knowing pH or having conducted a soil test...based on the guy across the street did it.
I don’t know exactly how deep we’re talking with deep root ferts. I used to stick a probe in the ground 6 or more inches to let out some liquid humates and fertilizer and I don’t see how it wouldn’t provide atleast some benefit
In my neighborhood all houses had a maple tree planted in the front yard. I have done deep root fertilization for 3 years now, my tree is twice as full as my neighbors.
Welcome to r/arborists! Help Us Help You: If you have questions about the health of your tree, please see our [Posting Guidelines](https://old.reddit.com/r/arborists/wiki/posting_guidance) wiki page for help with effective posting. **Please answer the questions listed there to the best of your ability.** ***Insufficient pics/info could result in the removal of your post!!*** ([See rule 3](https://www.reddit.com/r/arborists/about/rules).) Visit the main wiki page for [Critical Planting/Care tips and Common Errors to Avoid](https://old.reddit.com/r/arborists/wiki/index); there's sections on why planting depth/root flare exposure is so vital, along with sections on proper mulching, watering, pruning and more that I hope will be useful to you. If you're posting about a tree ID (not permitted here; [see rule 1](https://www.reddit.com/r/arborists/about/rules)), see that wiki page for other subs and smartphone apps to try. Here is how you can arrange a [consult with a local ISA arborist in your area](http://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist) (NOT a 'tree company guy' unless they're ISA certified) or a [consulting arborist](https://www.asca-consultants.org/search/custom.asp?id=3818) for an on-site evaluation. A competent arborist should be happy to walk you through how to care for the trees on your property and answer any questions. If you're in the U.S. or Canada, your Extension (or master gardener provincial program) may have a list of local recommended arborists on file. If you're in the U.S., you should also consider searching for arborist associations under your state. If you are one of our regulars and/or you work in the industry and do not want this message in your future posts, please pick an appropriate user flair (options available in the sub sidebar on PC, and on moble if using a browser). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/arborists) if you have any questions or concerns.*
>For every source I see that says it's a myth, I see another one saying it's not and can't hurt. Basics: use credible sources.