A newly planted tree should seldom be fertilized the first year. Once a tree is established, fertilizer can help maintain health and vigor as well as encourage rapid growth and development of the new tree. If a homeowner has a fertilization program for the turf, additional fertilizer is often not needed unless soil tests show the need.

Since all soils have a history, it can be beneficial to get soil analyzed properly for macronutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K), micronutrients, pH, soil type, and drainage. Although many trees survive without fertilizer at time of planting, the majority of plants suffer root loss and stress associated with movement between ideal nursery grown conditions and the final planting.