How to fertilize 50 acres of forestry.

HillFarmer

Hi all,

My wife was left 50 acres of forestry which doesn't look like it was fertilized properly from day one. It is very patchy as in some trees seem fine but there are loads of pockets where the trees are yellow and haven't grown at all.

The land is very marginal and I'm guessing its down to nutrients in the soil.
I know for grass I'd do a soil test etc but presume its the same for forestry?

Also there is quite a bit of heather / and grass between the trees and I'm wondering how do people spread fertilizer on forestry presuming that's my problem.

I read on the interneet that some advise to get the leaves tested, does that make sense?

I'm in the South West, if anyone has any tips or advice it would be most welcome.

Cheers

tabby aspreme

Get some soil tests done for starters, the usual fertilizer for trees is rock phosphate and is spread by hand , you can get it in 25 kg bags for ease of handling , soil ph or waterlogging could be the problem either, what type of trees are they

Oldtree

Your best starting point is to contact your local Teagasc Forestry Adviser.
Click the 13th link down, on the list here:

Forestry links and resources

HillFarmer

Thanks guys for your help