Knowledgebase

Using manure for fertilizer #890870

Asked December 17, 2024, 1:40 PM EST

I live in Chardon Ohio. I have young 5’ trees being shipped to my house in April. They will consist of chestnuts, apple, apple-crab, and crab-apples. I got horse manure from my neighbor at the end of October. It has been sitting in a pile until this week when I dug holes 2’x 2’ wide x 18” deep. I spread out 2 shovels full of the manure at the bottom of the holes. Then about 8-10” of dirt on top of it, then spread 2 more shovels full on top of that, then put the rest of the dirt on top, then spread 2 more shovels full of manure on that. The plan was to redig the holes when the trees come but dig down deeper to 2’ mix it all up then plant the trees. But a friend told me I should not have put any in the bottom of the holes, and I should not have used so much. Am I just going to kill my new trees? Please help! Thank you!

Lake County Ohio

Expert Response

It would not be wise to put any fertilizer, even manure in the hole when planting new trees. In the first year the trees should develop a good root system so that they will be able to absorb nutrients in the future. Fertilization would not help them do that. Excessive nitrogen could cause leafy shoot growth that would be susceptible to cold injury, drought, and pests.


At this time of year the most useful thing you can do would be to get the soil tested. You will probably get the results within two weeks and, if necessary, you may apply chemicals to improve the pH of the soil.


Also, while higher in nutrients than cow manure, horse manure may contain weed seeds, larvae, and pathogens.


For more information about soil testing please visit the following websites: Soil Testing | Franklin (osu.edu) and Soil Testing for Ohio Lawns, Landscapes, Fruit Crops, anOd Vegetable Gardens | Ohioline (osu.edu)


For information about tree planting you may find the following websites useful: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/planting-trees-correctly/ ; https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6865; and https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/planting-trees-correctly/.


Freda, MGV If you would like to learn more, please check out these resources. Replied December 20, 2024, 1:58 PM EST

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