Limestone: who is adding limestone before storing for the winter?

Adding it while the tree is dormant can potentially raise the PH of the soil since it wont be up-taking any minerals or being diluted with daily watering. May people have suggested adding it 2-3x per year during the growing season. Your tree wont need much nutrition during the winter and wont have much or any root growth.
 
Pete had a chart out there recommending a dose of limestone in October.
I guess I will wait until first week of April.
 
I’ve added limestone when my trees were already dormant in late Winter before Spring, and not heading into dormancy. Do we know the zone he was in when he added this in October? Do we know what the benefit is to adding it now?
 
I put some in my mix, but have not added any topically for dormancy.
Though I am forever looking for that perfect mix still. lol
 
Limestone is used to adjust pH to optimum levels and is a good source of calcium and magnesium. Limestone won't change pH instantaneously; depending on the particle size, it may take from several months to several years to see the full effect, hence the reason to add it in the fall to see the effects in early spring.

It's also a good idea to invest in a pH meter and test your soil every now and again.
 
I add a few handfuls to my potted and inground trees in the fall when I spread lime on the lawn. Just did it last week. Not sure if any effects, good or bad to the potted trees, but I’ve been doing the last few years.
 
ktrain said:
I put some in my mix, but have not added any topically for dormancy.
Though I am forever looking for that perfect mix still. lol
Click to expand...

I do the same when I am mixing dirt for either new plants or potting up plants.
 
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