Spring Tree & Shrub Pruning & Fertilizing Tips (2024)

FAQs

When to fertilize trees and shrubs in spring? ›

For all trees and shrubs.

If needed, the best time to fertilize is late April or early May, or late fall once plants are dormant. The recommended fertilizer should be spread evenly across the soil surface. The amount of actual nitrogen applied should be 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

Research in woody plant nutrition has shown however that nitrogen is the element that yields the greatest growth response in trees and shrubs. For this reason, high nitrogen fertilizers with N-P-K ratios of 4-1-1, 3-1-1 or 3-1-2 are generally recommended for feeding established woody plants.

Generally, plants are cut back by about one-third of their height. After pruning, apply a fertilizer to stimulate vigorous new growth. Many perennials that have finished blooming may be cut back now as well.

2. Follow the 1/3 rule. Many people are intimidated when they try to think about how much they can prune without damaging the shrub's health and vigor. When making pruning decisions, keep in mind that you can safely remove up to one-third of the plant's growth at any one time.

In most landscapes, healthy trees and shrubs do not require fertilizers, especially when they reach their mature size. It is not recommended to fertilize at planting time. Research studies show most of a plant's energy is directed to root growth during the establishment period.

Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers are best for woody plants, with one-third to one-half of the nitrogen in a water-insoluble, slowly available or slow-release form. Shrubs and trees absorb fertilizer during their active growth period: from spring, when growth begins, to late summer and early fall.

Epsom salt can improve the blooms of flowering and green shrubs, especially evergreens, azaleas and rhododendrons. Work in one tablespoon of Ultra Epsom Salt per nine square feet of bush into the soil, over the root zone, which allows the shrubs to absorb the nutritional benefits.

Granular fertilizers are the easiest to apply. Choose one especially formulated for the type of tree, such as fruit or evergreen, or apply an all-purpose formula such as 10-10-10.

Any tree or shrub that appears to be struggling is a good candidate for a deep root fertilization treatment. Signs of a struggling tree or shrub include: Defoliation – the tree is losing its leaves. Slow or minimal growth.

Be sure to water the plant before and after pruning to improve its health. We all know how important watering is to the overall health of our plants. It is especially important when you are pruning your plant and removing any growth.

Can you over fertilize a shrub? ›

Excess fertilizer alters the soil by creating too high of a salt concentration, and this can hurt beneficial soil microorganisms. Over- fertilization can lead to sudden plant growth with an insufficient root system to supply adequate water and nutrients to the plant.

When and why: Prune in early to late spring, once lighter-colored new growth appears, which gives time for cuts to heal and new buds to form. Use thinning cuts back to the main stem to tame overgrown shrubs; for heading cuts, prune back to a branch that has needles or leaves on it so new growth can sprout.

Cutting off all the stems and leaves is a huge stressor to the plant so it's best not to do it too often. Stressed shrubs are more susceptible to disease and pests plus, when cut back too frequently, the shrub may become too weak to fully recover.

Cut in smooth, even strokes to keep the shrub's sides even. As you cut, keep the base wider than the rest of the shrub to help the plant look balanced. Cut the sides at a slight angle. This will help keep the plant narrow at the top and wide at the bottom.

For warm-season grasses that like the heat, it's important to fertilize once active growth starts, in the spring. So, when is the best time to fertilize grass in the spring? Fertilizing in mid to late spring is ideal. This will ensure healthy growth and discourage weeds all season long.

Newly planted trees still in their development phase but after their first growing season needs to be consistently fertilized up to twice annually to help support their root establishment. Mature trees generally need lower amounts of nitrogen to keep their foliage and health in good condition.

The best time to fertilize fruit trees is during the growing season, starting in early spring (around bud-break) and finishing by July. Fertilizing too late in the season can cause trees to grow when they should be shutting down for the winter.