Fertilizing Trees And Shrubs: A Beneficial Practice Best Left To Professionals

By Author: supriyo banerjee
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For people who are serious about their yard care and landscaping, fertilizing trees and shrubs is an appealing prospect. Fertilizers lure consumers with promises of larger, more vivacious plant life bursting with big, bright flowers. While it's certainly true that fertilizers can deliver on these promises, there are some misconceptions about how easy it is to fertilize trees and shrubs.

Many people regard fertilizer as mere plant food to be dumped onto soil, but the proper procedure is more complex than that. Timing, frequency, and volume of applications matter. So too does the manner in which the application is put down and, to a lesser extent, what type of fertilizer is used on which types of plants. There is no one-size-fits-all set of instructions for fertilizing all trees and shrubs; the process requires expertise to be successful.

Contrary to popular perception, trees and shrubs do not grow more in response to heavier or more frequent applications of fertilizer. Plants only extract small amounts of certain nutrients at key times during their life cycles (usually between autumn ...
... leaf drop and spring blooming). The three primary nutrients they use from fertilizers are nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. All fertilizer packages have a three-digit code indicating the percentage by weight of each of these fundamental components.

Besides containing differing quantities of these nutrients, many fertilizers contain additional macronutrients and micronutrients. Magnesium, calcium, and sulfur are other macronutrients plants require for proper growth, and that a number of fertilizers are fortified with; boron, chlorine, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc are micronutrients plants need for healthy development. Some products contain some or all of these, too. Then, different fertilizers also contain varying types of filler material.

On top of the different nutrient profiles and ratios, there are a number of types of fertilizers. In general, the type has less bearing on the outcome than the timing and method of application, but informed usage always yields the best results. Synthetic, natural and organic fertilizers are available—and no—the latter two terms are not synonymous. Even slow-release products are now on the market that is designed to provide a slower, steadier, longer lasting supply of nutrients to trees and shrubs.

The importance of properly lain and timed fertilizer applications, along with all the product variables and the differing needs of individual trees and shrubs, makes fertilization a fairly scientific process. When used incorrectly, fertilizer is, at best, ineffective, wasting your time and money. Often, overused fertilizers gradually stifle plant life and can eventually kill it off. Used well, though, fertilizer promotes the natural life cycle and healthy, consistent growth. It also contributes to more vibrant flowers and foliage.

This need for expertise for successful fertilization means it is generally best left to professionals. Lawn care and landscaping companies that are licensed to fertilize trees and shrubs are a good source for such services. Experienced staff can advise you on when to fertilize and what products to use, and then they properly apply the product. These services are a smart investment for anyone who's eager to have a yard of full-bodied plant life with lush greenery and lively colors.

Eric M. is a freelance writer for Froio’s Lawn, a provider of lawn care & landscaping in West Chester, Pennsylvania. To learn more about Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs, please visit us on the web.