What Could Be The Best NPK Fertilizer Mix For A European Larch

Question

I have a European Larch tree which I believe needs a bit of help. It must be about 50 years old, and stands next to a white pine. I have been through a few blogs and no one agrees on which mix would be best for the tree. It’s in a dense clayey ground where crushed and very dense bedrock starts at 24 inches. It is in the grassy area, so not much natural recycling of organic matter for it. It is 40 to 45 feet tall, extends (branches) 30-32 feet in diameter and the base of the trunk is 25 inches in diameter. Thank you.

Answer 1

Trees that are not used for fruit production will use a general, all-purpose, fertilizer. That is not a fertilization issue, however.

There are many diseases that can take a tree, suddenly. If there are no mushroom fruiting bodies present at the base of the tree, or on the tree anywhere, then it could be bacterial or other fungal issues. Phytopthora comes to mind, but there are many others that can do this kind of damage.

Usually, once this far progressed, the tree will be on its way out. You can attempt correction with fungicides, still.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/larch/growing-a-larch-tree.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

Answer 2

Not very useful answer…I know canadian women make much use a lot of vagisil, but I would not use it with a Larch and my tree shows no signs of vaginosis or fungal diseases…By the way, it's a Larix, American Larch…my mistake. I found out a product which is used in clayey soils…clay breaker technology…to help roots get to their nutrient. I have read about 10-10-10 and 20-20-20 mixes…but application is usually a concern with Larches. But I will look elsewhere for a more thorough answer.