Question
We have had our mountain ash trees for 15 years. Last year was the second time they did not produce any flowers  or berries. All the previous years berry stems stayed on the the trees then the next year we had no berries. What do you think causes this and what would be the cure?

Thanks
Rick


Answer
Sounds like it needs fertilizer.
Nitrogen encourages leafy growth, often at the expense of flowers and fruit. Select a fruit tree specific fertilizer, or use a fertilizer that promotes bloom, such as "0-10-10" or "15-30-15." The numbers represent the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contained by the fertilizer. Manure contains varying amounts of Nitrogen and is not a real good fertilizer for trees. Berry production does vary each year due in to weather conditions when blooming. I would recommend fertilizing it with 0-10-10 fertilizer.