When Should I Fertilize My Trees and Shrubs? A Lawn Fertilization Company’s Guide

At Rich Green Lawns, we understand that healthy trees and shrubs are an integral part of a thriving landscape. Proper care, including timely fertilization, is key to ensuring that your trees and shrubs grow strong, look beautiful, and remain resilient against pests and diseases. But when exactly should you fertilize your trees and shrubs for the best results? 

In this blog post, we’ll explain the best times to fertilize your trees and shrubs and why timing matters. Whether you're a homeowner looking for expert advice or a landscape enthusiast wanting to keep your plants healthy, we’ve got you covered! 

Why Fertilization is Crucial for Trees and Shrubs 

Trees and shrubs are long-term investments in your landscape. They require adequate nutrients to maintain their health and vibrancy. Fertilization provides essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that are often lacking in the soil, especially in established landscapes where nutrients may become depleted over time. 

By fertilizing your trees and shrubs, you promote: 

• Stronger Root Systems: Nutrients support root development, which is critical for anchoring and overall plant health. 

• Vibrant Foliage and Blooms: Fertilization helps your trees and shrubs produce rich green leaves and more beautiful flowers. 

• Resilience to Stress: Well-fed plants are better equipped to withstand drought, disease, and pest attacks. 

  
  

  

  Deep root soil injection is an effective method for delivering nutrients directly to the root zone of trees and shrubs. This technique promotes healthy growth and enhances the overall vitality of your plants.

  
  

Best Time to Fertilize Trees and Shrubs Effectively 

Our lawn fertilization program is designed to run from March to November, aligning with the natural growth cycles of your landscape to ensure it thrives year-round. By aligning our treatments with the specific needs of your landscape in both spring and fall, we help your plants remain healthy, vibrant, and resilient through every season. 

Spring: The Optimal Time for New Growth  

In the Spring (SDR – Spring Dormant Recovery), we focus on nourishing evergreens, which begin to emerge from their winter dormancy and require essential nutrients to support new growth. This early-season treatment helps jump-start their development and strengthens their roots for the warmer months ahead. 

Late Summer to Early Fall: Preparing for the Cold Months 

As we transition into Fall (FDR – Fall Dormant Recovery), we shift our focus to trees and shrubs that shed their leaves. This is a crucial time for deciduous plants to store energy and nutrients to withstand the colder months, and our fall fertilization program ensures they are well-prepared for winter dormancy. 

This seasonal approach allows us to tailor the program to the specific needs of your landscape, ensuring optimal growth and health for every type of plant, from evergreens to deciduous trees. 

Avoid Winter Fertilization Fertilizing during the winter months can lead to nutrient runoff and can stress the plants, as they are in a dormant state. It’s best to wait until the temperatures warm up again before applying fertilizer. 

How to Fertilize Trees and Shrubs Effectively 

Now that you know the best times to fertilize, it’s also important to understand how to do it correctly: 

• Soil Testing: Every three years at Rich Green Lawns we perform a soil test to check the nutrients in the soil and see how we can best treat your lawn throughout the season and years to come! 

• Proper Application: At Rich Green Lawns, we take pride in having the best-trained technicians in the industry. Each of our team members undergoes comprehensive training, ensuring they have the knowledge and expertise to provide top-quality service and maintain your lawn to its fullest potential. 

• Watering: Do not rely on rain or a sprinkler system! Proper watering in the first year is the single most important maintenance factor in the care of newly planted trees & shrubs. Too much or too little water can result in injury. More trees & shrubs are killed by too much water than by too little.  

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Follow these Instructions: Twice per week through the Spring Season. Deep watering is required, meaning 5-7 gallons per watering. Three times per week through the summer months. Make sure you maintain deep water method. Back to twice per week through the Fall season. 

Conclusion: Let Us Help You Keep Your Trees and Shrubs Healthy 

At Rich Green Lawns, we specialize in helping homeowners and businesses maintain beautiful, healthy landscapes through effective lawn and plant care. Properly timed fertilization of trees and shrubs is a key part of creating a vibrant outdoor space that thrives season after season. 

With our expert fertilization services, we’ll ensure that your trees and shrubs receive the right nutrients at the right time.  Contact us today for a personalized consultation and let us help you keep your landscape in top shape all year long!