There are four methods one can use to fertilize container citrus trees. 1. Slow release fertilizer. 2. liquid fertilizers, 3. a combination of both slow release and liquid, 4. organic fertilizers. The combination fertilizer method reduces the feast and famine nutrition cycle. Liquid fertilizer application is the most common method of fertilizing hobby trees the world over. The slow release fertilizer method is the preferred method of applying nutrition by commercial growers, as it greatly reduces labor. Organic fertilizing is the least used method for container trees (however, this does not mean it does not have beneficial results). Commercial citrus groves, that are fertilized using organic type fertilizers always produce smaller harvest numbers then citrus groves fertilized using standard fertilizers. I find it unusual that your trees are experiencing burning with slow release fertilizers. Are you sure you are not applying to much product at a time? The release rates for most slow release fertilizers is regulated by heat. Therefore, more nutrient is released during summer months then during the winter months. As an example a nine month slow release fertilizer will usually not last a full nine months in hot regions where the fertilizer's nutrients are released quicker. Personally, I use Peters 25-5-15 w/trace minerals which is the perfect 5-1-3 ratio for citrus with good success. All in all citrus really is not all that finicky about the exact fertilizer ratio, as long as the fertilizer you use has a higher level of nitrogen and potassium and low level of phosphorus (plus he trace minerals). Finally it is great seeing you on the forum again. You have been around citrus for a long time now. Thanks for being a member. - Millet. .
