Fertilizer Application Tips for Trees and Shrubs
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| Photo Credit: Daniel Overcash |
| Trees that border the lawn will likely get enough nutrients from the lawn fertilizer application. |
Just like people need a balance of protein, carbohydrates and vitamins, plants need “food” in the form of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other minor nutrients. And it comes in the form of fertilizer. Different types of plants – annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and lawns – have different fertilizer needs. Let’s take a closer look at the fertilizer application needed for trees and shrubs by answering three basic questions.- How much fertilizer should I apply? This is a difficult question to answer. In some cases, plants display symptoms of a nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing leaves. But recognizing those symptoms requires careful observation and an in-depth knowledge of plant physiology. Luckily for homeowners, there’s an easier way.
The amount of fertilizer that a plant needs varies based on many factors, like the age of the plant, soil type, pH level and much more. The most accurate way to determine the amount of fertilizer a plant needs is to do a soil test. Soil tests are usually performed by your State Department of Agriculture or Extension Service for free or for a small fee. The analysis sent to you by the soil-testing lab will provide a detailed report of your plants’ nutrient needs, as well as the type of fertilizer that will best suit your specific situation. With that said, if you decide not to get a soil test done, here are two general recommendations to go by: - For small trees (one with a trunk diameter less than 1 inch at 4 feet above the ground) and all shrubs, use ½-1 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer per plant. (Note: The ½ cup rate is more for newly planted trees, and the 1 cup is more for established trees that are still less than 1-in diameter.)
- For larger trees, measure the tree’s trunk diameter at 4 feet above the ground, then apply 1 pound of 10-10-10 for each inch in diameter.
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| Tips |
- Avoid fertilizing trees and shrubs in August. Fertilizing causes plants to put out new growth, and at this time tender growth will not have time to acclimate before frost.
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| Facts |
- Many times trees and shrubs growing close to a lawn get all the nutrients they need when you fertilize the lawn. Soil testing can determine if you’re able to accomplish two tasks at once.
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| Faqs |
- Q: Why should I fertilize trees and shrubs in the fall?
A: Fall is the preferred time to fertilize trees and shrubs because the roots are most actively growing at this time, and they’ll take up and store a lot of nutrients then.
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