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Tree feeding Bradford pear and River Birch

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From: Richard Gamen City: New Lenox, IL
We live in New Lenox IL (Will County). I am looking for the best product to feed our trees. All three were planted 13 years ago. I have two Bradford Pear trees, about 6" diam. trunks and about 17' tall. I have one River Birch (clump). Trunks are 6"-8" and about 17' - 20' tall. What is the best food to feed these trees and when is the best time to feed them? Thank you for your assistance.
	Extension Message From: Richard Hentschel Extension Educator, Horticulture DuPage/Kane/Kendall Unit hentsche@illinois.edu
Spring is an excellent time to fertilize your trees. A complete fertilizer containing Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Pottassium would be fine (10-10-10, 12-12-12 for example). You could feed monthly until July 1st if desired. Do not exceed 4 lbs. of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet or you will burn the lawn. If you fertilize your lawn, count the nitrogen as part of your total. Applications should be within and past the canopy 10-12 feet. Application within 4-6 feet of the trunk are not needed.
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