Am I under-fertilizing pre-bonsai?

[Brain Treez]

I've used slow-release pellets since the start of spring on my early development trees. In following the manufacturer's instructions, I've only re-applied every 6 weeks or so.

When I see people suggest fertilizing "every week", they specifically mean with liquid fertilizer, right? Or with how often and thoroughly these trees get watered, do I need to be applying slow release pellets a lot more often? Also, how late into the year should I apply? Cut it off at the start of winter or earlier in the fall?

 

[Paradox]

The every week applications are people using liquid fertilizers, not slow release.
You are doing fine by following the package instructions every 6 to 8 weeks is fine.
You could apply liquid fertilizer once a month if you wanted to in addition to the slow release.

I've had slow release cakes on the pots and applied liquid fertilizer every two weeks to once a month depending one what I was trying to do.
Early development trees could handle every 2 weeks. I think every week is excessive honestly and not necessary.

You can apply fertilizer into the middle of October where you are with no problem. After mid - October, it doesn't do much good as the plants are going into dormancy and growth is greatly slowed and stopped once leaves start to turn colors.

 

[Lazylightningny]

Every tree's fertilizer needs will be different, depending on your goal for the tree. I use Tamahi pellets, and by the end of a month, they're completely spent. I apply liquid organics anywhere from weekly to monthly. If it's a really young tree that needs thickness, you might even consider Osmocote Plus. Middle of October sounds about right.