Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs in the Landscape

Abstract

The objective of this presentation is to review the results of a number of nutrition research studies we have conducted during the past few years and relate them together with established practices to develop some fertilizer guidelines for trees and shrubs in the landscape. We'll review benefits, formulation, rate and timing, methods of fertilizer application, foliar and soil analysis and discuss the most common fertilizer deficiencies and how to prevent them. Among the many benefits of fertilizing orr namental plants are: 1) darker green foliage that may be more resistant to attack by insects and diseases, 2) more vigorous growth of shoots and roots that will be more tolerant to drought and other stresses, 3) healthier and larger trunk and stem tissues that are more tolerant to stem split- ting in winter, particularly littleleaf linden and 4) perhaps most important, improved appearance, rate of growth and value in the landscape. Formulations