How to Fertilize a Eucalyptus Tree

For dramatic interest, easy care and evergreen foliage, eucalyptus trees are unsurpassed. To encourage growth and support the health of the tree, fertilize regularly.

Things You'll Need

• Organic compost
• Bone meal
• Mulch
• Garden gloves
• Shovel

Instructions

1. Analyze your soil. Contact your local extension office or visit a landscape nursery to obtain an evaluation of the nutrient value of the soil in your chosen planting location. Ideally, the soil should be analyzed prior to planting. Test again every three to five years.

2. Examine leaves. Leaf color is an indicator of the need for fertilization. Yellow or discolored leaves may indicate the need for fertilization. These symptoms occur on eucalyptus trees that are not taking up enough of one required nutrient or more.

3. Fertilize for early and rapid growth. Soils low in phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium will produce stunted and slow-growing eucalyptus trees.

4. Add bone meal to the soil if tests indicate a shortage of iron in the soil. Sprinkle bone meal around the base of the tree, following package instructions. Water well by soaking the base of the tree.

5. Fertilize carefully. Eucalyptus trees demand smaller amounts of fertilizer to complete their growth cycles than many other trees. Use nontoxic, chemical-free organic fertilizers. Noxious chemicals may migrate and poison surrounding vegetation.

6. Add organic compost to the soil at the base of the tree. Scatter compost on top of the soil and gently turn under to work into the soil. Water regularly. Eucalyptus trees should be watered weekly by soaking the roots during periods of drought.

7. Cover the ground around the tree with a layer of organic mulch. Aged, untreated sawdust, shredded cardboard, newspaper or straw can be used. Top dress the area with pine bark or decorative rock. The mulch will slowly decompose to return rich nutrients to the soil. Reapply as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• --Water drought-stressed eucalyptus trees deeply with drip hoses. Avoid sprinkler irrigation. Eucalyptus trees are highly drought-tolerant once firmly established; however, for optimum growth, water your eucalyptus tree whenever the soil becomes dry until the plant has grown a few feet taller than when first planted.

• --Refreshingly aromatic, the dusty bluish-green leaves of the eucalyptus tree will repel ticks and fleas from your garden and are wonderful additions to indoor floral arrangements.

• Eucalyptus trees are subject to beetle infestation. The beetles alone normally do not kill the tree; however, their combination with stress from drought, climate conditions and multiple pests, especially if growing conditions or tree care practices are not ideal, can eventually lead to tree death.

References

• Eucalyptus Trees And The Environment
• Eucalyptus Tree - Eucalyptus globulus
• Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetles

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• The Eucalyptus of California