Do Trees in Calgary Need Annual Fertilization? What You Should Know

Most trees and shrubs in Calgary’s urban landscapes aren’t getting the nutrients they need, because the soil they grow in doesn’t have them, or worse, blocks them. While this can help your trees grow a little faster, it's also about preventing disease, structural failure, and long-term decline.

That’s why annual fertilization is recommended, especially if you want healthy, storm-resistant trees on your property.

Evergreen LTD provides ISA-certified fertilization services using a proprietary kelp-based fertilizer designed for Calgary’s clay-heavy, nutrient-poor soils. Here’s what every homeowner and property manager should know.

Calgary Soil Is Working Against Your Trees

In natural forest environments, organic matter breaks down over time, cycling nutrients back into the soil for roots to absorb. In Calgary? That cycle is broken.

Most urban trees face the following issues:

• Topsoil is removed or buried during construction.

• Soils are compacted, preventing root spread and water infiltration.

• Fallen leaves and organic debris are removed instead of recycled.

• The natural nutrient cycle is completely disrupted.

And the worst part? Calgary’s heavy clay content traps nutrients, making them chemically unavailable, even if they’re in the soil.

Micronutrient Deficiency Is Common and Dangerous

Your trees don’t just need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. They also need micronutrients like:

• Iron

• Manganese

• Zinc

• Sulfur

These elements are vital for leaf color, disease resistance, and metabolic function. In Calgary's compacted, alkaline soil, these nutrients are often locked up, meaning roots can't absorb them, even when present.

What happens without them?

• Chlorosis (yellowing leaves)

• Weak branch structure

• Slow growth

• Susceptibility to fungal infections and insects

• Increased storm damage risk

Call Evergreen LTD to restore your soil’s micronutrient balance before your trees show visible decline.

Annual Fertilization Rebuilds Soil Health

Evergreen’s custom-blended, kelp-based fertilizer does more than just feed your trees. It helps fix the root problem, the soil itself.

What our annual fertilization provides:

• A slow, steady release of essential nutrients, even in heavy clay.

• Organic kelp extracts to promote microbial activity and root uptake.

• Tailored micronutrient content to match Calgary’s most common deficiencies.

• Improved resilience to drought, pruning, and urban stress.

Our ISA-certified arborists apply fertilizer when it’s most effective, typically during late fall or early spring, so nutrients are ready as roots begin their growth phase.

Why Evergreen LTD Doesn’t Recommend DIY Fertilization

Big box store products aren’t made for Calgary’s soil, and they often do more harm than good.

Common DIY mistakes include:

• Over-fertilizing and causing root burn

• Using fast-release formulas that wash away or leach

• Applying products at the wrong time of year

• Fertilizing without confirming a deficiency

Our team conducts soil or foliage testing where needed, and every application is based on your tree species, location, and root zone structure.

Book a professional consultation with Evergreen LTD today.

Annual Fertilization Helps Prevent Costly Tree Failures

The goal of fertilization is tree health and safety. A well-fed tree is:

• More resistant to insects and disease

• Less likely to suffer from internal decay

• Able to withstand snow and wind loads

• Faster to recover from pruning or injury

Without this support, trees often appear fine for years, until a windstorm exposes internal weakness, or pests take hold in a declining canopy.

Don't wait for signs of failure. Healthy soil today prevents expensive removals tomorrow.

Not All Trees Need the Same Fertilizer, or Frequency

Young, newly planted, or stressed trees typically need fertilizing every year. Mature trees in rich, undisturbed soil may need less frequent care, but that’s only clear after expert assessment.

Let Evergreen LTD examine your trees and soil to determine exactly what’s needed and when. Every site is different, and every fertilizer program should be too.

Trust Evergreen LTD for Expert Tree Fertilization in Calgary

Urban tree care is our specialty. Our kelp-based annual fertilization service restores critical nutrients that Calgary’s soils can’t provide on their own, and helps your trees stay healthy, green, and structurally sound for the long haul.

Contact Evergreen LTD today to schedule your annual fertilization treatment. Let us handle your tree nutrition, so your landscape thrives year-round.