This fall I purchased and planted a chionanthus retusus and a styrax obassia. I am wondering what if any, and when if needed, should I use to fertilize each of these trees. They are about 6' in height, in well drained soil. What I am saying is: should I leave these plants alone to become established, or should I be encouraging root growth through some fertilization?
I would suggest that if your soil is lacking you hould amend it to a reasonable level of nutrition. If your soil is not lacking, dont fix it. If you decide to fertilize consider a granular, time release or organic (non processed) nutrient and spread it throughout the drip line and not in small piles (and please dont use fertilizer spikes). For a complete soil test (basic or advanced) you can contact Northwest labs in Langley, it'll run you about $45 for the basic test and you need to provide roughly two cups of material.
'Horticultural techniques for successful plant establishment' http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/~Linda Chalker-Scott/Fact Sheets/Planting fact sheet.pdf
To "Plant Enthusiast": - Neglected to thank you for the sensible, practical info from Puyallup. I have made a hard copy for future reference. GDE