3 Tips to Fertilizing Shrubs

Spring is upon us, and you might be getting ready to plant some new flowers and shrubs. While most mature trees don't require much maintenance, your newly planted shrubs will require some extra care. This care and maintenance also includes fertilizing in the right way. Taking proper care of your young shrubs can really pay off in the long run, so here are some tips from your shrub care professionals at Nature's Select Sandhills.

1. Provide a Balanced Diet

Just like the rest of your lawn, your landscaping bushes need a well-balanced diet. This includes using a fertilizer that values nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The nitrogen encourages fast and healthy trunk and branch growth, while the phosphorus stimulates the roots and encourages them to grow and strengthen. Finally, the potassium helps the entire shrub grow strong to withstand high winds, rainstorms, and even periods of ice during the winter.

2. Make Sure You Reach the Feeder Roots

While it's important to use the right fertilizer for your shrubs, it's equally important to make sure you apply it correctly. This means applying the fertilizer where the feeder roots can absorb these essential nutrients. Usually, this takes some coordination and critical thought, so you don't over-fertilize your new shrubs. This is where the application process can become a little tricky and where most people go wrong. So, if you need help applying the fertilizer, then it might be time to hand it over to the professionals.

3. Be Cautious of the Time

When it comes to applying fertilizer to your shrubs, timing is everything. You should aim to fertilize any time between early fall and mid-summer. Fertilizing trees and shrubs between late summer and early fall can actually promote growth that doesn't have a chance to harden before the winter sets in. This weakens your shrubs and could cause them to become more susceptible to breakages, especially during heavy snow or ice storms. You should also plan to fertilize new shrubs for the first five years until they reach maturity.

Let's Take Care of Your Shrubs

Shrub and tree care isn't for everyone. It takes time and patience, something many homeowners throughout Sandhills, Pinehurst, and Southern Pines, NC, don't have a lot of. That's why they turn to the professional team at Nature's Select Sandhills. We can also treat your existing trees and shrubs for diseases, provide weed control for your lawn, and treat your lawn for those pesky and unwanted bugs. Get your free estimate online or call us today at (910) 757-0359.