When and how to fertilize native trees and plants

   Generally speaking Australian native plants do not require a great deal of fertilizer.  However applying fertilizer will speed growth considerably.   As a general rule slow release fertilisers low in phosphate are considered to be excellent for native species.   Phosphate fertilizers can damage roots of many natives especially species like Banksia and telopea (warratah etc) and some Kangaroo paws.   There are many native species which can grow well on general purpose garden fertilizer and some of these are, many grevillea species, acacia, gum trees, westringia, native hibiscus and many rainforest species like lilly pilly.   In regard to larger native trees,  fertilizing is generally done with a commerial product called a tree tablet.    These are dropped into holes around the root zone.  When fertilizing native species the general rule is a small amount spread broadly.  Generally speaking once in spring and autumn are the best times to fertilize.    

Fast Find Menu