All green plants are capable of converting raw materials, namely water, nutrients and sunlight, into the building blocks it needs to grow and bloom. The main building blocks are nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) and numerous others trace elements, like iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg). Fertilizer labels describe their contents by listing these ingredients in order, such as 12-4-8 with Fe. That means that 12% of the contents of the fertilizer container is nitrogen for green growth, 4% is phosphorus for blooms and cold hardiness, and 8% potassium for disease resistance, and iron has been added.
There are many forms of fertilizer - liquid and dry, spikes and granules, quick release and timed release - and in many different formulations. The form you choose is largely personal preference. Regardless of form, a balanced formula is usually best, having N, P and K. A fertilizer product with some of its ingredients in a timed release formula will feed your plants over a longer period of time. When in doubt, ask your nursery professional for advice on which product would be best for feeding your landscape plants.
Here are some specific tips on giving your landscape the nutrients it needs to grow and flourish:
Tree roots don't grow down like a carrot, they grow out widely, usually 18 inches deep or so. The important thing is to get the fertilizer deep enough to benefit the tree roots, not just the grass or ground cover under the tree. Apply fertilizer from the tree trunk out to the drip line, which is the outer edge of foliage. Large established trees only need fertilizing once or twice per year in spring, fall or both. Read and follow label instructions for any type of fertilizer you use.
Fertilizer spikes or granules can be placed in small deep holes made with a tool – a crowbar works well for this. Liquid fertilizers should be soaked in thoroughly. Another simple method is to apply lawn fertilizer with a spreader – go around the tree twice – once for the grass and again for the tree. Be sure to water very thoroughly after fertilizing to start the feeding action.
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Newly planted trees should not be fertilized the first year other than with a root stimulator solution at planting time. The young tree needs to settle into its new home and put out new roots, and that takes about a year.
After the first year, small trees can be fertilized like large trees, but they can be fed more often – up to 4 to 5 times per year – starting early spring. Read and follow label instructions for any type of fertilizer you use. Be sure to apply the fertilizer near the trunk and only a couple of feet out, because that's where the roots are. The tree should not be wilted when you fertilize, and water it again thoroughly after fertilization. When the tree has been established for four or five years, fertilizing can be reduced to once or twice per year.
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Hedges and individual shrubs will benefit from fertilizing in spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer – liquid or granule forms work best. Apply the fertilizer to the root area then water very thoroughly. Read and follow label instructions for any type of fertilizer you use.
Shrubs grown for their foliage need a fertilizer that is highest in its first number, nitrogen. Flowering shrubs, such as azaleas and roses, need more phosphorus for best blooms. There are specialty azalea and rose fertilizers which are especially made for these flowering shrubs and are excellent for all blooming landscape shrubs. Be sure your shrubs are not wilted at the time you fertilize them, and water very thoroughly afterwards to start the feeding action.
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Flowering annuals and perennials grow quickly, so it's best to stay ahead of them with fertilizer rather than play catch up. At planting time, add an organic or timed-release fertilizer to the soil, then plant. Liquid fertilizers are fast acting and easy to apply, especially for annuals in containers or hanging baskets.
Monthly fertilizing would not be too often for the heavy bloomers. Two to three times per year will suffice for the foliage type and short flowering perennials. Read and follow label instructions for any type of fertilizer you use.
Many flowering annuals and perennials are usually sold and planted from a bulb (like tulips), corm (like gladiolus) or rhizome (like cannas). Planting time is the ideal time to put some organic or timed-release fertilizer in the hole with the bulbous root. You can measure out small amounts for each plant, place it in the hole, add a handful of soil then plant. Or you can add fertilizer to the planting area as mentioned above. Then fertilize during the growing season two or three times. Liquids are best for getting the nutrients down to the roots.
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Since turf grasses are grown for their green foliage, nitrogen is the most needed element for healthy growth. Remember that nitrogen – the first number on the fertilizer container – should be the largest. Once your lawn starts growing in spring, apply a general lawn fertilizer at the recommended rate. Know the size of your lawn area - don't guess.
Use a spreader for this task - hand broadcasting of lawn fertilizer leaves streaked areas. Spread half of the amount in one direction across the lawn and the other half in the opposite direction. This will eliminate the chance of incomplete coverage. Reapply fertilizer every six to eight weeks during the growing season, and water immediately and thoroughly after each application. Discontinue fertilizing in early fall so the lawn can harden off before winter.
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• Frequent small doses of fertilizer are better than one large application
• Topdress your landscape plants with an organic mulch; it will not only reduce weeds and conserve moisture, but it will also extend the life of your fertilizer by acting as a time release agent over a period of time
• Do not mix fertilizers with pesticides or other chemicals; chemical "soups" should only be attempted by trained and licensed professional applicators
• Never fertilize a wilted plant; water it thoroughly and fertilize a day or so later
• Don't guess at fertilizer amounts or areas of coverage; measure properly for best results
• Store unused fertilizers in a dry area; purchase larger packages to use over several years
• Keep unused fertilizer away from containers or puddles of motor oil - the combination can be a serious fire hazard
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