Which Tree And Shrub Fertilizer To Use, When [& Why]

Trees and shrubs provide shade, beauty, and environmental benefits, but they need proper nutrition to thrive.

Fertilizing trees and shrubs provides the essential nutrients they need for vigorous growth and resilience against environmental stressors like pests, diseases, and harsh weather conditions, and thus ensures their long-term health.

Why Fertilize Trees and Shrubs?

Trees and shrubs are integral to the ecosystem of your lawn. They act as natural air purifiers, provide wildlife habitat, and enhance curb appeal. Residential and commercial landscape trees and shrubs often grow in soils lacking essential nutrients.

Urban and suburban settings typically have altered soil conditions due to construction, compacted ground, or removal of organic matter, which creates nutrient deficiencies that can hinder plant growth.

Fertilization replenishes those lost nutrients, supports plant growth, improves root development, increases flowering and fruit production, strengthens resilience during drought or extreme temperatures, and ensures landscape plants thrive throughout the growing season.

By investing in proper fertilization, you’re not only enhancing your property’s aesthetic but also ensuring your costs and efforts don’t go down the drain.

Understanding Tree and Shrub Fertilizer: The Basic Essential Nutrients for Healthy Plants

Fertilizers are nutrient-rich substances designed to supplement the soil’s natural fertility.

They typically contain three primary nutrients:

• Nitrogen (N): Promotes vibrant foliage, leafy growth, and overall plant vigor and growth.
• Phosphorus (P): Encourages strong root systems development and flower production.
• Potash (K): Improves disease resistance and stress tolerance.

Fertilizers are identified by their N-P-K ratio, like 10-10-10, which represents the proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium they contain.

For trees and shrubs, the nutrient balance depends on the plant’s specific needs, soil conditions, and growth stage.

Understanding Soil Needs

A soil test is the cornerstone of any fertilization plan. Testing soil helps determine its pH, nutrient deficiencies, and the levels of essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash.

Soil test results guide the selection and application of the correct fertilizer for your trees and shrubs.

For example, sandy soils may require fertilizers with a slow-release form to prevent nutrient leaching, while clay-heavy soils benefit from organic matter to improve structure.

Types of Fertilizers for Trees and Shrubs

Choosing the right fertilizer is critical to achieving the best results. Here are the most common types:

Fertilizer Granules

Fertilizer granules are easy to apply and release nutrients gradually.

Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers deliver nutrients over time, reducing the risk of over-fertilization and promoting steady plant growth.

They’re often used in established shrub fertilization and tree fertilization for their convenience and effectiveness.

This is especially important for woody plants like trees and shrubs, which benefit from consistent nutrient absorption.

Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers are ideal for supporting sustained growth in both newly planted trees and mature specimens.

Liquid Fertilizers

Liquid fertilizers are fast-acting and excellent for delivering a quick fix to nutrient deficiencies.

The quick-release formula for immediate nutrient absorption. They’re particularly useful for fertilizing shrubs showing signs of stress or nutrient deficiency.

They’re also beneficial for younger plants needing a rapid growth boost.

However, they should be applied carefully to avoid over-saturating the root zone to prevent root rot.

Organic Fertilizers

They are derived from organic matter like compost, bone meal, or fish emulsion. They’re also eco-friendly and excellent for improving soil health.

Synthetic Fertilizers

They are manufactured chemicals offering precise nutrient ratios. Highly effective but should be used carefully to avoid over-fertilization.

How to Choose the Right Fertilizer for Your Landscape

Selecting the appropriate fertilizer depends on various factors, including:

• Soil testing: Do a soil test to identify nutrient deficiencies and pH levels.
• Plant type: Different trees and shrubs have unique nutritional needs.
• Growth stage: Young plants require higher nitrogen, while mature plants benefit from balanced formulas.
• Seasonal considerations: Adjust fertilization practices based on the growing season.

Our team at SunCo offers professional soil testing and tailored fertilization plans to meet the specific needs of your landscape.

How to Fertilize Trees and Shrubs

• Timing matters: The best time for fertilizing trees and shrubs is during the growing season, typically in early spring or late summer. Fertilizing during these times encourages new growth while preparing plants for seasonal changes.
• Method of applying fertilizer: Spread slow-release fertilizer evenly around the root zone. For newly planted trees, ensure the fertilizer doesn’t touch the trunk. Use the product package instructions to determine the correct amount based on trunk diameter or shrub size. Monitor shrubs growing near hard surfaces to prevent runoff.
• Targeting the root zone: The root zone, which extends beyond the drip line, is where most nutrient absorption occurs. Applying fertilizer in this area ensures nutrients reach the plant roots efficiently.

When to Fertilize Trees and Shrubs

You should be aware that applying fertilizer at the wrong time can give rise to poor growth or increased pests and disease susceptibility.

Here’s a general guideline to avoid that:

Spring

Promote new growth by fertilizing as trees and shrubs emerge from dormancy. Focus on nitrogen-rich fertilizers to jumpstart growth after winter dormancy.

Late summer to early fall

Encourage root development and prepare plants for winter. In summer, monitor for signs of nutrient deficiency and apply fertilizers as needed to maintain health.

In the fall, use phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizers to strengthen roots before winter.

Avoid late fall and winter

Fertilizing during this period may stimulate growth that cannot withstand freezing temperatures.

Application Techniques for Optimal Results

Proper application methods ensure that nutrients are effectively absorbed by the roots.

Shrub fertilization requires attention to the specific needs of each species. Use a balanced shrub fertilizer and apply it during the growing season.

Newly planted trees and shrubs benefit from extra care; provide adequate water and a layer of mulch to retain moisture and reduce competition.

Follow these steps for successful fertilization:

• Measure and mix: Follow the product’s instructions to calculate the correct amount of fertilizer based on plant size and type.
• Distribute evenly: Spread granular fertilizer evenly around the drip line of the tree or shrub.
• Water thoroughly: Water the area after applying fertilizer to help nutrients penetrate the soil.
• Avoid over-fertilization: Excess nutrients can harm plants and pollute nearby water sources.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Iron chlorosis: A common issue in Midwest soils that’s caused by high soil pH that limits nutrient absorption. Address this by using fertilizers designed for high-pH soils and incorporating organic matter to improve nutrient availability.
• Leaching in sandy soils: Sandy soils are prone to leaching, which washes away nutrients before plants can absorb them. Slow-release fertilizers are ideal for these conditions, as they minimize nutrient loss.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Regular soil testing helps identify nutrient deficiencies early. Fertilizing trees and shrubs with the right mix of essential elements ensures they receive adequate support for growth and health.

Common Fertilization Mistakes to Avoid

To maximize the benefits of fertilization, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Applying too much fertilizer, which can cause nutrient burn.
• Ignoring soil testing and blindly selecting fertilizers.
• Fertilizing during the wrong season or in extreme weather conditions.
• Neglecting to water the soil after application.

Sustainable Practices for Lawn and Landscape Care

At SunCo, sustainability is at the heart of our lawn care philosophy. Our fertilization practices aim to minimize environmental impact while maximizing plant health.

As a company dedicated to lawn health and sustainability, we recommend combining fertilization with sustainable practices:

• Mulching: Retains soil moisture, reduces nutrient loss, and adds organic matter.
• Organic matter: Improves soil structure, promotes nutrient absorption, and supports microbial activity to enhance soil quality naturally. Use organic fertilizers whenever possible.
• Irrigation: Provides adequate water to aid nutrient uptake and prevent drought stress.
• Slow-release: Implementing slow-release formulations to reduce runoff.
• Precision fertilization: Practicing precision fertilization to target specific areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

SunCo; Professional Arborists for Comprehensive Care

Fertilizing trees and shrubs can be challenging, especially for large properties or diverse landscapes.

For complex landscapes or mature woody plants, professional arborists offer expertise in shrub fertilization, tree health assessment, and soil test interpretation.

Whether you’re dealing with fallen leaves, nutrient deficiencies, or slow growth, their insights can make a significant difference.

Tree and shrub fertilization is essential for maintaining vibrant, healthy landscapes in the Midwest.

By understanding your soil, selecting the right fertilizers, and applying them correctly, you can support the growth and resilience of your landscape plants.

Regular soil testing, sustainable practices, and professional guidance ensure your trees and shrubs thrive for years to come.

Contact us today to learn more about our lawn care services! Call us at (402) 553-5204 or visit our website to schedule a consultation with our lawn care experts.