Oak Fertilizing/Mulch Schedule

Q: In January I transplanted eight oaks from the woods to my yard. They are 4 – 9 feet tall. I applied a liquid 3-10-3 fertilizer to the surface of the backfill. What should my fertilizing schedule be now?

A: I think it’s more important to mulch than it is to fertilize them. The high phosphorus and low nitrogen content of your fertilizer is good but for at least the first two or three years young trees don’t need to be hurried along. If more nitrogen is applied and forces too much leafy growth the roots will suffer. An inch-thick layer of wood chips under the drip line of each tree gives them the best care.