Conifer/Juniper: Near-End-of-Year Fertilizer Before or After Fall Structural Work (prunes/bends, etc)?

[Deleted member 47471]

Information for Procumbens/7b Calendar Care not found yet (finding mostly NW, other zones, or different countries and climates):

Following a care plan of 10-10-10 fertilizer (Spring/Fall) with monthly N boosts, does it matter if you apply the 2nd dose of 10-10-10 prior or after the end-of-year-structural care (chopping/bending/wiring etc.)?

Is the state of the tree is still energy+
in/around the time for Fall fert application (Given they will flush in Spring, Summer, Fall)?

Or… Does the theory of “do not fertilize a weak tree” universally apply here?

If more information is required:

2023 care thus far:

10-10-10 applied: March (activates in April)
NPK 20-0-0: 1/16 tsp monthly via water
Overall current state of tree: visibly and overall very healthy and bushy

Next 10-10-10 scheduled: September

Does this mean prior to September the tree is considered “weak,” and structural work should be performed after dose #2? Am I overthinking this?

 

[Srt8madness]

You're overthinking it

 

[Deleted member 47471]

You're overthinking it

Oh good haha

 

[roberthu]

I think unless the tree is in refinement only, fertilizer is desired in the fall. For a weak tree that is having health issues instead of being reported earlier this year, a lighter dose of fertilizer is appropriate.