How To Treat Blue Spruce Trees Burned By Fertilizer Tree Stakes

Question From: MISSOURI
Q: Is there anything I can do to my Blue Spruce trees if they seem to be burned by my fertilizer tree stakes? The branches seem to be turning brown since the stakes were applied. We have received 3 inches of rain a week after i planted them. The trees are 6 ft tall and were planted last spring.

A:

Rain will help wash the salts from the soil. Give them 2 inches of water weekly. Gypsum mixed with the surface soil will also help rid the soil of the burning salts from the fertilizer sticks. NEVER use chemical fertilizers on your garden - they are salt based and can burn your plants. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.