Trees, shrubs, and ornamentals are a fairly independent lot. For the most part, they can take care of themselves. Even so, you shouldn't ignore them. Once in a while, these self-sufficient plants need a little TLC from you, in the form of plant food. Here are a few tips on how and when to feed them.
Trees and shrubs are not all the same. They have different requirements for healthy growth, which is why you want to feed them different foods. Azaleas, Rhododendrons and hydrangeas like more acidity than other shrubs. They thrive with products such as Miracle-Gro® Water-Soluble Azalea Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food. Evergreens do well with products such as Scotts® Evergreen, Shrub, and Tree Food. Fruit trees should be fed four times at regular intervals between early spring and late June. You can feed most types of trees and shrubs with an all-purpose plant food, such as Miracle-Gro® Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes.
With tree feeding, you want to get the job done quickly, easily, and efficiently. One good option is a water-soluble plant food, such as Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food. Just attach the applicator to your hose and you're in business. Another option is a granular plant food, such as Scotts® Evergreen, Flowering Tree & Shrub Food. Just sprinkle it around the base and you're done.
Your trees and shrubs use a lot of energy in the spring, pushing out flowers, leaves, and seeds. They could use a feeding then. Also, if you feed your flowering shrubs after they've bloomed, you'll encourage more blooms the following year.
Your trees will tell you, if you know how to read the signs. If your tree has pale leaves, feed it more. If it has gazillions of leaves, cut back. Mature trees rarely, if ever, need to be fed.
