When to fertilize apple trees?

Avoid fertilizing apple trees in early summer when they are setting fruit or as fruit develops -- a dose of nitrogen spurs foliage production at the expense of the fruit. When additional nitrogen is needed, fertilize in fall, after harvest. read more

In nutrient-rich soil, you can withhold using fertilizers until your apple trees begin bearing fruit (average: 2-4 years). If your new apple trees fail to put on an average of 8- to 12-inches of new green growth during the growing season, consider fertilizing starting the following spring. read more

When to fertilize fruit trees. Right before bud break is the perfect time to fertilize your fruit trees. If you miss the moment and the trees have begun to bloom, you can still fertilize until June. Don’t fertilize in late summer or fall, though, because the new growth put on by the tree can be damaged by frost. read more