 Tree and Shrub Fertilization Facts ... What to Fertilize Now
- The goal of fertilization is to replenish nutrients in the soil, improve plant growth and defenses against environmental stress, insects and diseases.
- Nutrient deficiencies are often closely related to soil pH. Soil testing is recommended once a year to determine what nutrients are deficient so the proper fertilizer can be applied.
- Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium are the major nutrients necessary to promote health and growth in plants. Fertilizers should contain 50% or more slow release nitrogen (also known as water-insoluble nitrogen) sources because they last longer and have a lower impact on our environment by reducing movement of fertilizers into groundwater or into streams.
- Best time of year to fertilize runs from Fall through late Winter because roots absorb these nutrients as long as soil temperatures remain above 40° F, and they become readily available for root uptake with the spring flush of growth.
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- Fertilizer application rates and methods should be based on plant species, growth habit and root spread, and maturity of plant.
Our grounds managers are here to help you create and maintain a healthy plant environment. Call us and let our Professional Certified Horticulturist examine your plants to determine the appropriate fertilizer and perform those applications.
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