Best Fertilizer for Redbud Trees


If you have a redbud tree, it is best to stick to a balanced fertilizer. Since, redbuds have nitrogen fixing ability, make sure the fertilizer you use isn’t too high in nitrogen.

Best Redbud Fertilizers

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Redbuds are alluring flowering trees that thrive in full sun and rich soil. They blossom in the spring with an attractive show of bright pink colors.

 

The redbuds enjoy acidic soil. Fertilizing the redbuds is also a crucial aspect of tree care. Hence, they seek good fertilizer and regular watering. The best fertilizer for redbud trees is one that helps them thrive in the growing season. In addition, it must also provide it with the necessary nutrients that aid in the plant’s growth and development.

 

Since redbud belongs to the Leguminosae or Pea family, it can fix nitrogen. So, if you wish to know how to correctly care for a redbud tree, you must be careful in your choice of fertilizer. You do not have to pick a nitrogen-intensive fertilizer for these plants because heavy nitrogen application can be an invitation for the sucking pests and the caterpillars.

 

Also, add a little compost to the soil before planting. It can amplify moisture retention. While planting, opt for a fertilizer that guarantees good phosphorous supplementation to the garden soil. It can help with root development.

 

Moreover, since redbuds are planted mainly for their vivid flowering patterns, you should also consider reaching out to a fertilizer that supports that. So, adding a boron-rich fertilizer at the onset of spring can be beneficial.

 

Best Redbud Tree Fertilizers

 

Testing Your Soil pH Before Choosing A Fertilizer

Testing Your Soil Before Choosing A Fertilizer

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Before you plant a redbud tree, you must assess the soil to understand its composition. You can determine this with a soil testing kit and measure the existing soil’s pH level. The Redbud trees typically thrive in alkaline soils.

 

Hence, ensure that your planting soil has a pH of around 7.5 for the plant to grow well. You should try raising the pH levels if the pH is more acidic. For this, apply mycorrhiza fungus or add agricultural lime to it.

 

Which Is The Best Fertilizer For Redbud Trees?

You can find plenty of brands in the market offering redbud fertilizers. Amongst different types of redbud trees, a good grade multi-purpose fertilizer with NPK 10-10-10 works well.

 

Below, we will address a few of the best options.

 

Overall Multipurpose Pick,Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food

 

Overall Multipurpose Pick,Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food Check price on Amazon

 

Miracle-Gro fertilizer is composed of all the essential nutrients that help instantly feed trees, shrubs, vegetables, and houseplants, helping them grow more beautiful and lush than unfed plants.

 

You can fertilize them every seven to fourteen days while your plants grow actively to achieve the best results. Its formula is safe for all plants. The susceptibility of foliage burning drops if you use the feed as directed.

 

Moreover, it also shows favorable results. You can find this fertilizer in different doses, starting from .5 lb up to 10 lb. So, you can start with the smaller quantities to check whether it works for your plant.

 

How to use it?

If you have an indoor plant, take half a teaspoon of Miracle-Gro fertilizer for every gallon of water. On the other hand, those with outdoor redbuds should take one tablespoon for every gallon of water.

 

Now, fill in the watering can to mix the plant food well. To ensure the best results, you must feed as you water by soaking the plant’s base. Do not forget to read through the label instructions to understand the coverage area.

 
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Specialized Redbud Fertilizer,TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Redbud

 

Specialized Redbud Fertilizer,TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Redbud Check price on Amazon

 

If you are anxious about your redbud’s tree care regime, TreeHelp Premium fertilizer for redbud trees can be a good pic. It is exquisitely designed to offer your redbud plant the necessary nutrients to thrive and combat diseases and insects. In addition, the fertilizer also does a fantastic job of keeping the plant healthy and beautiful.

 

It contains a mix of micro and macronutrients, guarantees disease resistance, and promotes root health. The fertilizer has nitrogen in the slow-release form, which is imperative because excessive nitrogen release can elongate cell walls and trigger weaker new growth.

 

It further results in the spread of vascular wilt disease across the tree, making the plant a breeding ground for insects and pests. Such plants are also more susceptible to cold or wind damage.

 

However, with this slow-release nitrogen fertilizer formulated for Redbud trees, you can ensure that the plant is fed continually across the growing season.

 

How to use it?

It is a 1.5 kg bag that will suffice for one large tree or two to three newly planted or smaller trees. The manufacturer has provided the complete instructions on the label. You can follow them to the T and achieve excellent results.

 
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Best For Pest Protection,BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed, Granules

 

Best For Pest Protection Check price on Amazon

 

It is the ideal redbud tree fertilizer if you need a fertilizer that offers 12-month insect protection and feeds in one application. Its unique, patented formula helps kill tree-destroying pests and animals, such as Emerald Ash Borers, Aphids, Adelgids, Japanese Beetles, Scale, Leaf Miners, and more.

 

Moreover, since it is a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, it can provide the plant with the required food and amplify the health of your shrubs and trees. The fertilizer systematically moves from the roots to the branch tips.

 

We recommend this fertilizer as it avoids new infestations for up to one year and season-long nutrition to assure good health and development.

 

You can use this fertilizer on your containerized plants and outdoor shrubs and trees. The feed gets absorbed by the root system, assuring good rainproof protection.

 

How to use it?

You get this fertilizer in the ready-to-use granules form, making it easy to use as there is no spraying involved. It is a four-pound package comprising: 1.1% Imidacloprid with NPK Fertilizer Analysis: 2-1-1. After application, water it with ¼ to ½ inch of water. It helps activate the product.

 

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Related: How to grow a redbud tree from seed?

 

When Should I Fertilize My Redbud Tree?

Fertilize My Redbud Tree

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Ideally, you must fertilize the redbuds in early spring to ensure the best performance. While fertilizing, eliminate damaged or dead branches or any crossed branches after blooming.

 

Once done, you can add a balanced slow-release fertilizer, as it works well for new plants and guarantees good development for existing plants. You can use granular fertilizer or 10-10-10 fertilizer, as both work well for the redbuds.

 

Why Is My Redbud Tree Not Blooming – Is It A Sign That It Needs Fertilizer?

Redbud Tree Not Blooming

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There could be several reasons for your flowering trees not blooming:

  1. The most common reason could be that the plant is yet to reach maturity.
  2. Untimely frosts damaged the flower buds.
  3. You did not water the plant adequately.
  4. You have probably pruned the tree at the wrong time.
  5. It has a soil deficiency. You can rectify it by adding a thick mulching layer and Redbud-specific fertilizer.

 

Hence, if your plant does not bloom, it may or may not be because of soil deficiency. So, to ascertain, you can perform a soil assessment test. If you detect a shortcoming, use a fertilizer for redbud trees rich in a specific nutrient.

 

If you do not perform a soil assessment, you are assuming the plausible problem. Unfortunately, guessing is not the route you proceed on. It can result in unintended outcomes that you may regret in the future. So, always opt for a soil assessment.

 

Performing a soil assessment test is easy. You only have to take a sample from the soil and send it to your local extension office. Alternatively, you can do it yourself with an at-home soil testing kit.
 

Are Coffee Grounds Good For Redbud Trees?

Coffee grounds are ideal for acid-loving plants. They are rich in nitrogen and promote dense growth. So, using coffee grounds as compost around the trees and shrubs can encourage new growth. But redbuds thrive in alkaline soil.

 

Moreover, they belong to the Leguminosae or Pea family. So they can fix nitrogen. Hence, you do not have to pick a nitrogen-intensive feed for these plants because heavy nitrogen application can be an invitation for the sucking pests and the caterpillars.

 

Is Holly Tone Good For Redbud Trees?

Since Holly Tone is a good fertilizer for acid loving plants, it is better not to use them on your redbud trees.