Fertilizing Mature White Pines Near Buried Power Lines: Broadcast, Don't Drill

Three mature white pines. Hollytone package says drill 12–18″ at dripline. Buried power lines in that zone (marked but not to dripline). Owner asks alternatives.

Skip Hollytone for Large Pines

Cost-ineffective (4-6-4 analysis). Use 10-10-10 at 1 lb/inch DBH, broadcast under canopy, water in. Grass takes some; tree gets most.

Why Not Drill/Spikes

• Root burn risk (salt concentration).
• Power line damage liability.
• Broadcast mimics natural nutrient cycling.

Trunk Implants?

Not recommended—wounds invite decay. Soil application is standard.