What You Should Know About Fertilizing Trees And Shrubs

Just like grass, trees and shrubs need to be fertilized. Knowing when and how to properly fertilize your trees and shrubs will help promote healthy growth and longevity. However, if you’re not quite sure how to adequately maintain your leafy companions, have no fear. Below, we have compiled a list of easy-to-follow steps for fertilizing and caring for your trees and shrubs.

Fertilize The Young Ones

It is especially important to fertilize young trees and shrubs, since the growing process requires a steady supply of nutrients. Trees and shrubs will perform much better if they receive all of the nutrients they need to thrive.

Fertilize When Plants Are Dormant

Your best bet is to fertilize when plants are dormant, as in the late fall or early spring. Fertilization helps to bring your trees and shrubs out of the winter dormant season, stimulating growth for warming temperatures in the spring.

Use Fertilizers Formulated For Trees

When it comes to fertilizing trees and shrubs, always avoid anything specifically formulated for lawns. Trees and shrubs do not have the same nutritional needs as lawns. Trees and shrubs specifically need nitrogen, which encourages leaf growth, and phosphorous and potassium, which encourage blooming and promote overall plant health. Choose a fertilizer with phosphorus and potassium levels somewhere between 3 percent and 12 percent and nitrogen content somewhere between 12 percent and 30 percent.

Fertilizer Is Not A Cure-All

Fertilizer is meant to nourish plants that are already healthy, helping them achieve optimal growth. If you have a tree or shrub that is stressed, fertilizer won’t magically bring it back to life.

Be Sure To Apply Fertilizer To The Roots

When fertilizing trees and shrubs, always apply it to the roots. Because roots extend well beyond trees’ plants and leaves, apply fertilizer beneath the plant well beyond the diameter of the branch spread. This will ensure that the plant is able to absorb the vital nutrients in the fertilizer.

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