Not only do plants need “food”, they also require fertilization. The best time to fertilize shrubs is April to May, or it can also be done in the late fall, once plants are dormant.
The recommended fertilizer should be spread evenly across the soil surface. The amount of actual nitrogen applied should be 3 pounds (lbs) per 1,000 square feet. Most woody plants begin the new year’s growth with elements stored from the year before. An application of fertilizer in the spring gives an additional boost to this new growth.
Apply the fertilizer along the drip line of the tree, the area with the majority of the roots. If the fertilizer is applied to the soil surface only, much can be washed away or will not filter into the soil to the root zone. Water the fertilizer to keep the rain from washing it away.
For quicker absorption, use a punch or probe to make holes 12 to 18 inches deep, and then fill the holes with fertilizer. Be sure to water deeply afterwards.
Another way to fertilize is to “pepper” the ground with fertilizer as you walk around the drip-line of the tree. This method should also provide an adequate amount of fertilizer. Apply fertilizer in this manner right before it rains, so it will be washed into the root zone. Or water the fertilized area for an hour after application.
Transformations Landscaping Ltd is your fertilizing shrubs experts. Call us at 604-316-7792 or fill out our form and we will call you.
Transformations can also help design a great shrub landscape.