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Tips on Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs

Posted on October 27th, 2021

Fertilizing-trees and shrubs isn’t an easy task. If you’re planning to use chemical fertilizers, you need to apply them carefully. The best way to get results if you are new to this is to refer to the local nurserymen about the type of trees and shrubs on your lawn.

Or, better yet, ask for advice from professional gardeners who only deal with trees and shrubs. Read on for some great advice and tips on fertilizing trees and shrubs at home!

Why Should you Fertilize Trees and Shrubs?

Fertilizing your trees and shrubs is crucial if you want to make sure you’ve added the correct elements to keep them healthy. Fertilize your trees and shrubs thrice per year.

That is, in the spring, summer, and fall. The best time to fertilize also depends on the type of plant. You can use manure or organic fertilizer. Over-fertilization can halt tree or bush growth. Also, under-fertilization will lead to poor plant health.

Fertilized trees and shrubs are healthy. The healthier the plants, the more drought-tolerant they’ll be. They’ll be less susceptible to insect attacks. Also, the trees and shrubs will use nutrients more effectively.

5 Helpful Tips on Fertilizing-Trees and Shrubs

1. Use Slow Release Fertilizers

If you want to fertilize your trees and bushes, choose slow-release fertilizers. They’re better than quick-release fertilizers. Slow-release fertilizers release their nutrients over time. It means you won’t have to feed your plants often.

Slow-release fertilizers are popular because gardeners can cut the amount of fertilizer they need by half. Less fertilizer means less runoff into streams and rivers.

Another advantage of slow-release fertilizers is that they reduce routine soil testing. Some tests will tell you how much nitrogen or phosphorus is in the soil and at what concentration. But, these tests don’t tell you how much is immediately available to the plants.

2. Consider Adding Mulch to Help Keep Moisture

Mulch is a protective layer of fine organic material that helps keep moisture in the soil. It also reduces weeds, limits erosion, and improves aesthetics.

Generally, apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic material each year to trees and shrubs. Organic materials promote growth and reduce maintenance.

Mulch also helps control the temperature of the soil. Cool, moist soil encourages root growth, while warmer soil also inhibits root growth. Also, mulch reduces watering requirements and helps prevent water evaporation.

3. Avoid Using too Much Fertilizer

Trees and shrubs are efficient at extracting nutrients from the soil. They’re excellent than most plants in recycling nutrients and capturing nutrients from the air. So, if you fertilize too much, most of the nutrients you apply will be wasted.

On the other hand, if you fertilize too little, your plants may starve. So, how much is enough, and how much is too much?

Most fertilizer instructions tell you to sprinkle the fertilizer evenly over the soil. It’s excellent for lawn care and annual and perennial plants. Here, you can apply fertilizer once, and the grass will be green from then on. But, trees and shrubs aren’t annuals or perennial. They don’t have a well-defined growing season.

Trees and shrubs are more like plants. They lose their leaves and flowers periodically. So, a fertilizer’s effect will be greatest when it’s applied in spring. It’s in the growing season, right after a leaf or flower has died. It means you need to fertilize four times a year.

4. Pay Attention to the Directions and Recommended Dosage

Directions and recommended dosages are usually on the product label. They’re printed on small, inconspicuous pieces of paper. So, you have to wade through a lot of fine print before you come across them. Also, you can contact firms, such as turf unlimited. They’ll advise you on the best ways to take care of your trees and shrubs.

The directions and recommended dosages give the fertilizer company’s opinion of what you should do with the product. If you use the fertilizer the way the company suggests, you’re likely to get good results.

If the instructions on the fertilizer bag indicate that you only fertilize once a year, that’s what you should do. But, many fertilizers are applied often. It could be because plants or soils need different amounts or types of nutrients. Fertilizers tell you how much and how often you should apply. Follow that advice.

5. Use Water Soluble Fertilizer to Avoid Overfeeding your Plants

Trees and shrubs benefit from proper fertilization. The trees’ and shrubs’ leaves will be dark green and glossy. It increases the attractiveness of the trees and makes them healthier. Fertilizing also stimulates tree growth. When you fertilize trees, you give them the energy they need to grow.

Use water-soluble fertilizers as they’ll fertilize your trees and shrubs well. These fertilizers contain lots of water. It makes it easier for the plant to absorb them.

Trees and shrubs need fertilizer about once a year. But, you may need to fertilize some trees and shrubs more often. When fertilizing trees and shrubs, you should apply fertilizer after new growth has sprouted. If you fertilize too early, the fertilizer may wash off before the plant can absorb it.

Do You Fertilize Your Trees And Shrubs?

Trees and shrubs increase home value and curb appeal. They’re also the perfect choice for the yard as they’re beautiful, easy to maintain, and provide shade. But to make them appear attractive, you need to fertilize them well. It requires a well-organized fertilizing method.

Fertilizing-trees and shrubs are crucial if you want to achieve the best growth possible. Their ability to absorb nutrients will depend on their root structure, fertilizer type, and moisture level.

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