How to Fertilize a Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar Tree

Native to North Africa, the Atlas Blue Cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca') is a highly prized evergreen ornamental landscape addition that reaches 40 to 60 feet at maturity. The cedars blue gray foliage and irregular, wide pyramidal shape provide year around interest. The Atlas Blue Cedar flourishes in filtered sunlight, nutrient rich, well-drained soil and grows best in United States hardiness zones 7 to 10.

Things You'll Need

• Garden gloves
• Organic compost
• Leaf mulch

Instructions

1. Avoid over fertilization of cedar trees. They prefer a slightly acidic, well-drained soil. If too much fertilizer is applied, they will suffer root burn.

2. Use only organic materials. Avoid chemical herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers.

3. Cover a 3- to 4-foot circle around the tree with an 8- to 12-inch layer of organic mulch. Straw, dry leaves, dried grass clippings, untreated wood chips or sawdust, shredded cardboard and newspaper, aged manure or organic compost may be used. As this organic material slowly decomposes it will add beneficial nutrients to the soil without root burn.

4. Top dress the mulch layer with a 2- to 3-inch layer of shredded bark, wood chips or decorative pebbles. Water well.

References

• Seasonal Care for Trees and Shrubs in Northern U.S. Climates
• Dying Cedar Hedges - What Is The Cause
• Questions On Cedar