Question: What kind of fertilizer is best for my fruit trees? When should it be added?

Answer: As always, that depends on your having a soil test run periodically. Don’t be surprised, though, if the tests indicate you need to add primarily nitrogen. While we think of phosphorus as being important for flowering and fruiting, it has become excessive almost to toxic levels in some Texas clay soils. Follow the guide of your soil test. As for timing, very early spring works well, as the trees start to grow. You probably will not need other feedings during the course of the growing season. In many cases, figs and pears being classic examples, you actually don’t want too much new growth in any one year. Over-feeding can actually be very damaging.