Landscape Maintenance - Fertilizers
About Fertilizers
Introduction
| Fertilizer is essential and provides healthy growth and life in plants, trees and lawns around you home. Fertilizers are compounds used that are given to plants, trees and lawns to help promote healthy growth. They are applied by either through the soil for collection from the plants roots, or via foliar feeding, which is collected through the leaves. A regular fertilization is imperative for the healthy growth and survival of your plants and lawns. |
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There are two types of fertilizer that can be used for a landscape to promote healthy growth, organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer. Organic fertilizers contain natural minerals such as compost, manure, worm castings, seaweed, dried blood and bone meal. Examples of manufactured or chemically-synthesized inorganic fertilizers include ammonium nitrate, potassium sulfate, and super phosphate, or triple super phosphate. |
When Should Fertilizers be Applied?
As every season during the year brings a different climate and temperature, fertilization must be different as well. Your plants and lawns must be properly treated accordingly to the season. There is a quick guide the fertilization during the seasons:
Spring
| Fertilizing during the spring is okay in moderation as this is the time of year to exercise restraint. There may be a temptation to assist your lawn growth with a rich fertilizer during spring, but excess fertilizing would actually encourage outrageous top-growth and could damage the roots. A light fertilizer will encourage a steady growth with strong roots. |
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Summer
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During summer a slow-release fertilizer is recommended to minimize any possibility of damage. During extreme heat, heavy fertilizers are more likely to burn the plants and lawns rather than feed them. Especially if your lawn is affected by a drought, there is a good chance a nitrogen fertilizer would burn. |
Fall
Fall is the best time of year to use a fertilizer. The fertilizer has a far better chance to reach down into the roots, as that is where the plants and lawn need all the nutrients to grow healthy. A slow release is recommended.
Choosing a Fertilizer
| Fertilizing done in the correct way can make a huge impact on the life of your plants, trees and lawns, therefore maintaining a beautiful healthy landscape. When choosing a fertilizer to use for your landscape, you will come across many different products. Here are a few handy tips when finding a good fertilizer: |
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- Look for a product that has no contact problem either for the person applying the fertilizer, or for children and pets who may come in contact immediately after the application.
- A slow-release fertilizer is highly recommended for a long lasting feed, this is especially useful for newly seeded or newly sodded areas. A slow-release fertilizer will prevent burning.
- Look for a fertilizer that will promote the health of the soil’s eco-system which in turn will produces healthier vigorous growth of your plants.
- Some fertilizers that contain animal wastes will have nasty odors, so consider the positioning of the application and what effect it will have on you and your family.
Back to Chemicals and Fertilizers
