Now is NOT the Time to Fertilize Trees and Shurbs
When a tree, shrub or perennial in your garden is doing poorly, what is your first reponse? If it’s to apply fertilizer, especially a liquid, fast-acting fertilizer, think again.
Your first response should be to get to the root of the problem (pardon the pun). There are many reasons for poor plant health. Some of the most common problems we see on the garden hotline have to do with improper planting (too deep, or failure to free the root system) improper watering, or just having the wrong plant in the wrong place. Pouring fertilizer on a plant in the middle of summer, especially in the dry summer that we are experiencing, can create some real plant health problems.
Remember that fertilizers are salts and when you apply them to a plant that is already heat and moisture stressed, chemical burn can result. Another reason to avoid fertilizing this time of year is that most trees and shrubs are on the downward part of their energy cycle and are preparing for dormancy. Fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizer now will stimulate the plant to put out new growth. The new, tender growth that results may not have time to harden off before winter, resulting in disease and insect problems and winter dieback.
If a plant needs fertilizer, the best time to apply it is in late fall or early spring. But before you fertilize, find out if it is even needed. A Penn State soil test will tell you the levels of various nutrients in your soil. (Soil test kits are available at the Extension Office for $9.00.) If the soil is deficient in nutrients required for good plant growth, the test will tell you exactly what to add. You’ll save money, protect our watershed from nutrient pollution and have healthier plants by applying only what you need.
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