I HAVE PURCHASED A 1 ACRE LOT IN WHICH, I HAVE THINNED JUST ENOUGH TREES TO PUT MY HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF THEM..I PLAN ON CUTTING THE DEAD LIMBS OFF SOON... I NEED TO KNOW WHAT KIND OF FERTILIZER TO USE, THAT IS LOCALLY AVAILABLE!!!!

PERTINENT INFO:

..I LIVE IN PAWLEY'S ISLAND SC
..3 MILE FROM THE OCEAN
..1/4 MILE FROM INTERCOASTAL WATERWAY(FRESH H20)
..SOIL CONTENT IS SANDED
..I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT 6 OF MY LIVE OAKS ARE 200+YRS
..ALL OF THE TREES HAVE SOME DEAD LIMBS

P.S. MY WIFE AND I LOVE THESE TREES, IN FACT THAT'S THE REASON WE BOUGHT THE PROPERTY. PLEASE LET ME KNOW THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION TO TAKE WITH TRIMMING AND FERTILIZING!!!!!!

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!!1

Reply to post by BILLY ARNOLD, on January 26, 2000 at 23:13:48:

Billy --
About tree fertilization: Industry standards that arborists and researchers have developed specify that "the reason for fertilization is to supply nutrients determined to be deficient to achieve a clearly defined objective" (ANSI A300-Part 2, 1998).
In a natural setting, mature trees rarely need fertilization. I would recommend that you hold off on fertilization until a knowledgeable tree professional has determined there is a deficiency using a legitimate method (whose results are interpreted for the species) such as foliar analysis or examination of average annual shoot extension. And if you have such evidence, then you need to be clear about what you hope to achieve with fertilization, as well as to have already tried increasing sunlight on the tree's crown or applying additional water during dry spells.
Young trees you are trying to encourage, on the other hand, respond generally well to a small amount of additional nitrogen, and in that case you could purchase a slow-release granular fertilizer and apply it according to the manufacturer's directions in the early fall or spring, depending on local growing conditions.
Hope this helps.

Reply to post by Jerry Bond, on January 26, 2000 at 23:13:48:

Ditto on what Jerry said re fertilizer. In addition, the second best thing you can do is hire a Certified Arborist
to pruned the trees. The FIRST and most important thing to do is
have that Certified Arborist define a construction management program BEFORE construction begins.
Too often, we are called to evaluate trees on a property where the homeowner paid
substantially more for a wooded lot, only to find bulldozer damage on every tree, severe compaction from heavy equipment,
the excavation or elevation of grade, which covers or destroys root zones and leads to the eventual and certain decline
of those beautiful trees. Along with TREE PROTECTION ZONES, you must create a clear understanding with all contractors
that NO barriers be changed without your permisson or anyone who needs to create more room to dump driveway ballast will
be moving your post and tape barriers and infringing on valuable tree root area.

Reply to post by Michael Martorana Certified Arborist, on January 27, 2000 at 09:08:29:

Michael Martorana is on the right lines. There should have been many more considerations made and advice taken long before the first trees were even felled or thinned out. The repercussions could be severe but I hope not as you obviosly love your trees.We in the UK have to comply with far more severe restrictions and conditions to any planning permission given to develope a plot. It sounds that you may have more problems than you realise and than currently show up. pity it is just too much of a long hop over the pond to the US otherwise I am sure we could have helped.