Trees and ornamental shrubs need ample amounts of micronutrients to produce lush green growth and vibrant colors. Fertilizers provide essential nutrients and also improve the way the soil works by helping it to retain water better and allowing air to flow freely, which is good for roots.
If your plants have slow or stunted growth or yellowing or pale leaves, they may not be getting enough essential nutrients. You should also evaluate your soil. If the surrounding soil is sandy or compacted, it may lack the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth. Performing a soil test can confirm deficiencies and help determine the right type of fertilizer to use.
Proper fertilization promotes strong root development, helping plants establish a solid foundation for growth.
Adequate nutrients result in healthy, vibrant foliage that enhances the plant's overall appearance and function.
Well-nourished plants are more resilient, reducing their susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Fertilization supports bountiful fruit and vegetable production, ensuring a more abundant harvest.
The tomato is a tricky bugger. It technically wears the fruit label, but shares vegetable-esque qualities that can’t be ignored when it comes to care. So, how do we slide nutrients into this Venn diagram-worthy produce?
Tomatoes benefit from a balanced fertilizer early in the growing season while plants are establishing roots and foliage. Fertilizers with ratios such as 10-10-10 or 5-5-5 provide a steady supply of nutrients for overall plant health.
Once tomato plants begin flowering, fertilizer needs change. Too much nitrogen at this stage can cause plants to produce excessive leaves instead of fruit.
While tree fertilization is mostly dependent on the tree’s age and tree type, for the most part, slow-release, balanced, or high-nitrogen formulas are generally recommended to support healthy growth. To start, use slow-release products to avoid root burn and apply early in the spring.
Fruit trees, including tomato trees, require timed deep watering fertilization early spring and summer. Applying fertilizer 2-3 times per growing season (early spring, post-bloom, and mid-summer) improves fruit quality, both in size and flavor.
Fertilizing in the fall is generally not recommended for most trees because growth slows as temperatures drop. Applying fertilizer too late can encourage new growth that may be damaged by frost. Spring or early summer fertilization is usually more effective for healthy development.
A 12-12-12 fertilizer is a balanced option suitable for many trees, providing equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It works well for general maintenance and promoting overall growth. However, some trees may benefit more from specialized formulas depending on their specific nutrient needs.
Tree and shrub fertilizers can sometimes work on other plants, but their effectiveness depends on the nutrient composition and the specific needs of the plants you’re fertilizing. For example, general-purpose fertilizers can be used for lawns, vegetables, flowers, and trees. However, slow-release tree fertilizers may take too long to break down for some of these plants.
Trees sometimes need fertilizer to grow strong roots and resist pests and diseases. While they can survive without fertilization, tree and shrub food will help them along in areas where soil nutrients are depleted. Unlike forest environments, landscaped areas often have nutrient-poor soil.
In most cases, trees and shrubs should be fertilized once or twice a year, but some fast-growing or nutrient-demanding plants may need more frequent feeding. Young trees also need more frequent feeding to establish roots, while mature trees need less. Slow-release fertilizers are great for trees and shrubs, as they’ll last for months without further application.
