When trees and shrubs are growing in beds or natural.

May 19, The easiest and most cost-effective way to fertilize large trees surrounded by mulch or bare soil is to broadcast granular fertilizer on the surface of the soil. Broadcast the fertilizer on the area under the tree, beginning near the trunk to the drip line (ends of the branches).

Irrigate the area after fertilizing if rainfall is not expected. Broadcasting on turf or sloped surfaces should be avoided. Jan 15, As long as a tree or shrub appears healthy and is growing at an acceptable rate, there is no need to give it any additional fertilizer. Many NH soils are already high in phosphorus and more should not be added unless recommended by a soil test.

Nutrient deficiency symptoms on azalea When to apply fertilizer. Newly planted trees and shrubs lack the ability to absorb nutrients until they grow an adequate root system.

Fertilizing. Oct 19, When trees and shrubs are growing in beds or natural areas, you need to calculate the amount of fertilizer needed. Figure 1. Apply fertilizer evenly on mulched and unmulched surfaces out to about 1½ times the crown radius.

Often mineral elements in natural materials, whether organic or inorganic, are released very slowly.

Trees: Apply the fertilizer to the area occupied by the tree’s. The simplest and fastest way to fertilize trees and shrubs is to broadcast granular fertilizer evenly over the bed or root zone.

Subsurface applications of dry or liquid fertilizers are no more effective than broadcast methods in most circumstances, but can help prevent fertilizer runoff from a steep slope.

A granular fertilizer may be spread on the soil underneath a tree or shrub. For established trees, spread the fertilizer 10 to 20 feet past the canopy of the plant. This method is the most effective in a bed without ground cover or grass.

Where should fertilizer be applied? Fertilizer may be applied below the soil surface, at and beyond the drip line, using a root feeder with a fertilizer attachment. A grass-free circle three to four feet wide should be maintained around the tree or shrub for at least three years.

Fertilizer may be scattered on the soil surface in this circle. Fertilizer is best applied between early spring and late July to early August while the plants are actively growing. During this time, the plants can utilize the nutrients available in fertilizers.