- 1). Capture a soil sample and submit it for a soil test to determine the soil conditions you are working with. Compare your soil content with the preferred soil make up for your flowering landscape tree to determine a course of action and prevent exacerbation of the problems.
- 2). Irrigate your flowering landscape trees so that the soil is evenly moist at all times. Deep watering once every two weeks is a good guide but hot and dry climates will require more applied water while moist cool climes will require less.
- 3). Never allow the soil to dry out below a few inches from the surface as drought stress can impede bloom particularly in shallow rooted species. Refrain from keeping the soil sopping wet as most trees will suffocate under swampy soil conditions.
- 4). Amend the soil as indicated by the soil test. If the pH is too high add a soil acidifier such as peat moss and if the pH is too low then add an alkalinity builder such as lime to the soil.
- 5). Correct nutrient deficient soil by adding several pounds each of compost and well aged manure as a top dressing to the soil. Rake it in to the top few inches of soil and water deeply.
- 6). Apply a fertilizer to the soil around the drip line of the tree in the spring as needed according to the results of the soil test. Water in any fertilizer well after application.
- 7). Refrain from pruning your trees in the late winter or early spring when buds are setting. Prune after immediately blooming or in the very early fall to prevent loss of bloom the following season.
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