Fertilize Appropriately Part 2 (Landscape Plants)

In the soil, roots of trees, shrubs, turfgrass and bedding plants intermingle and compete for water and nutrients. In fact, the roots of a single mature tree may extend 60 feet or more out into your lawn or flowerbeds. Fertilizer applied to one plant is often absorbed by the roots of a nearby plant. Every treatment you apply to your lawn (fertilizer and herbicide, for example) can impact your trees and shrubs. Conversely, treatments applied to a tree, such as pruning and fertilizing, can influence the appearance and health of underlying turfgrass.

In areas where tree or shrub fertilization zones overlap with lawn fertilization zones, fertilize for one or the other of the plant types, but not both. If trees and shrubs are not located near fertilized turfgrass, you can apply additional nitrogen to enhance growth of established trees and shrubs.

Broadcast fertilizer uniformly over the desired areas of the landscape. Apply watersoluble fertilizers at no more than ½ pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per application. Application rates of controlled-release fertilizers depend on release rates of the product.

Palms have different nutritional requirements than other landscape plants. Fertilize landscaped areas within 30 feet of large established palms with a 4-1-6-2 Mg (N-P2O5-K20-Mg) ratio fertilizer (an 8-2-12-4 Mg is an example of a fertilizer using this ratio). Nitrogen, potassium and magnesium should have equivalent percentages of each nutrient in controlled-release form. If you use a
fertilizer with a ratio other than specifi ed, you may bring about or intensify nutrient deficiencies in palms.

Fertilize lawns, trees and plants only to maintain health. Over fertilizing aggravates pest problems and stimulates excessive growth. When excessive fertilizer is applied, it can leach past the root zone and into the groundwater, the source of our drinking water. Excessive fertilizer application also contributes to pollution in Florida's springs, rivers, streams, lakes and bays. Consult the Manatee County UF/IFAS Extension office with questions at 941-722-4524 or email michelleatkinson@ufl.edu.