Time to Fertilize your Shrubs

Shrubs add new life to your home’s landscape. Fertilization will get you the most vibrant looking shrubs around your home. The guidelines below can help you nourish these diverse and resilient plants with the right fertilization techniques.

WHEN TO FERTILIZE

A good fertilization schedule falls around the major holidays of the warmer months. Mark your calendar to fertilize on Easter, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, and your shrubs will look great all year round.

CHOOSING A FERTILIZER

Following the holiday fertilization method above, it is important to select a good general-purpose fertilizer. At Santa Rita Landscaping, we recommend a granular fertilizer for regular use which is easy to use and does not require mixing.

When choosing a general-purpose granular fertilizer, look for one that contains around 10% Nitrogen(N), 10% Phosphorus(P), and 10% Potassium(K), (10-10-10). Note that Granular Fertilizer can be very concentrated, so follow the directions on the brand you buy to apply properly.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply the fertilizer evenly around the plant. If you pile the fertilizer up in one spot, it will become too concentrated. Spread the fertilizer around the plant evenly from the trunk to the outer edge of the plant’s canopy. Since Granular Fertilizer is intended to dissolve slowly over time, you will need to give the plant a good watering before and after application.

If your shrubs do not look their best using a general-purpose fertilizer, you might need to invest in a fertilizer designed to address certain nutritional needs for your plants. Consulting a landscaping professional can help you determine which fertilizer will be the right fit for your yard.

SIGNS OF POOR FERTILIZATION

If you have yellowing leaves on the plant, your shrubs are not being properly fertilized. Other signs may be the absence of blooms on flowering shrubs, thinning of leaves, and weakened branches. To resolve these issues, you should change your pruning routine for your shrubs and adjust watering in addition to selecting a new fertilizer.

For more tips on caring for your Tucson, Green Valley, or Oro Valley home’s landscape, consult Santa Rita Landscaping today. You can explore our custom residential design and commercial maintenance services by visiting our website or calling us at (520) 623-0421.