Fertilize

It’s almost spring in Northern Kentucky and soon it will be time to fertilize!

Beautiful green lawns and healthy looking plants don’t just happen, you know. You have to take a certain amount of time to properly care for your yard, and that means regular mowing, watering, pruning and fertilizing. When it comes to fertilizing plants, trees and shrubs, there are numerous methods and techniques that will both feed, nurture and encourage healthy plant and grass growth.

Any growing thing needs a nutritious, well-balanced diet, and that goes for humans as well as plants. Vital nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the main ingredients that a fertilizer should contain, in different ratios depending on needs and use. What do these chemicals do? Phosphorus encourages strong roots, which are extremely important for young or newly planted greenery of any type. Potassium makes plants and shrubs strong enough to endure harsh winters and less than optimal growing conditions. Nitrogen is essential to life itself. Without it, plants and lawns will die. A healthy plant or lawn that displays deep green color or leaves is rich in nitrogen.

Another important ingredient that any lawn or plant fertilizer should contain is iron. Iron promotes the flow of nutrients into root systems, stems and leaves. Other essential and other micronutrients such as magnesium calcium, zinc, copper and manganese are important to the overall health of a lawn or shrub. Some fertilizers are organic, while others are synthetic, and it’s up to individuals which type of fertilizer is chosen for yard needs. Both work well, but some people prefer not to use synthetic chemicals or additives in their fertilizer. If you choose an organic fertilizer, be prepared to fertilizer a little more frequently than if you use a commercial fertilizer.

Lawn fertilizers can be spread using a special spreader that can be rented or purchased from your local home care or gardening center. Some people prefer to hand spread fertilizers, though in doing so, care must be taken not to over spread. Follow directions of packages for watering prior to or after spreading fertilizers for optimal results.

When fertilizing trees and shrubs, it is important for the fertilizer to reach extending root system growth, so place fertilizer from the root or trunk outward, reaching almost to the rim of tree or shrub branch growth. Some tree and shrub fertilizers are available on small stakes that can be placed at intervals around trees and shrubs.

Trees can be fertilized during the fall or winter seasons, and through mid summer. However, fertilizing in early spring is the best choice for most greenery, including lawns. New plant, shrub or trees need to be fertilized at regular intervals during their first five years of growth, so don’t ignore their special needs.

Whether you choose commercial or organic fertilizers, choose one that contains ample amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Fertilize every spring and fall, and make sure that the specific needs of all your plants, shrubs and trees are met.

Contact Brawley’s Landscape today for a free estimate for fertilizing or to meet your lawn care needs this season.