Fall Fertilizing

In spring and summer your trees and shrubs are using their energy to develop lush leaves and big blooms. This is one the primary jobs of nitrogen (N). Nitrogen is the first of the three numbers you see on the fertilizer label. This time of year the tops of your trees and shrubs need to rest, also know as going dormant. The plant now works slowly over the fall and winter below ground on its roots. Healthy roots come from the plant feeding on phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). These are the next two numbers on your fertilizer label. 

 

Unlike your lawn, trees and shrubs need time to break down fertilizer before it can be completely absorbed.  This fall you will want to use a slow release fertilizer like our Al’s Slow Release Granular Fertilizer 10-4-8. This is a balanced fertilizer that works well in year round including during cooler weather, and is not subject to excess release during periods of high temperatures.

 

Apply the granules around the drip line of the plants. The drip line is where rain and sprinkler can reach the soil around the outer edge of the plant. The fertilizer is release with rain and water. Make sure after applying you give the fertilizer a light soaking to get it started. 

 

Come spring you should notice a healthy more vigorous plant.