Feeding Evergreens, Trees, & Shrubs - Tree and Shrub Tips

A lot of times gardeners think by fertilizing, they will have automatically solved the problem, which is not always the case. Poor growth could be caused by inadequate moisture, soil aeration, or nutrients. The plant could also be under stress due to low lighting or extreme temperatures that could cause nutrient deficiency problems. If your plant is not doing well, be sure you determine the specific cause for the situation and the appropriate solution.

All plants, including trees and shrubs, require macronutrients as well as micronutrients for normal growth. They also need carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that are found in the air and water. The 3 essential nutrients consist of Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorous, which can be found in Schultz Nursery Plus for Evergreens, Trees, and Shrubs along with other micronutrients such as Boron, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum and Zinc.

Nitrogen is a major element in plant nutrition and promotes rapid growth, leaf formation and green coloring.

Phosphate is the source of Phosphorus, which is essential for a strong root system plus brighter, more beautiful flowers and overall growth. It also hastens maturity and increases yield.

Potash is the source of Potassium, which is a catalyst for many plant functions. It helps build stem strength, increases disease resistance, aids in photosynthesis, and increases root growth. It also provides starches and oils, helps reduce water loss and wilting, and is necessary for plant protein formation.

Here at Schultz, we know plants feed at different rates depending on the soil temperature. That’s why we created Schultz 12-6-6 Nursery Plus Slow-Release Plant Food to deliver important plant nutrients in several ways. This special formula provides quickly available nutrients for initial feeding and slow-release nitrogen that releases nitrogen for up to 3 months. Plant-feeding rates increase as soil temperature goes up. The release-rate of the specially coated slow-release nitrogen granules is based on soil temperature, not moisture level. Therefore, an increase in soil temperature causes the proprietary slow-release nitrogen granules to respond — providing a predictable, continuous 3-month feeding that ordinary evergreen, tree and shrub food without slow-release nitrogen can’t deliver.

How to Apply Schultz Nursery Plus:

For new plants in the spring, work into the top 6 inches of soil and repeat every 12 weeks. For established plants, sprinkle 8-10 inches from the base and gently work into the top 1/4 inch of soil. Be sure to avoid damaging the roots at all costs.

If you decide Schultz Nursery Plus is the product for you, be sure to apply the correct amount of fertilizer at the appropriate time. Below is a quick guide for easy directions. Keep in mind the following numbers are based on the Schultz 3.5 LB Nursery Plus Plant Food.

Bare Ground, New Beds, Ground Covers, Small Trees:

When: At time of planting.

How Much: 5 Cups per 100 Sq. Ft.

New Trees, Shrubs, & Vines:

When: At time of planting.

How Much: 6 Tbsp. per 9 Sq. Ft.

Established Shrubs & Vines:

When: Every 3 months throughout the growing season.

How Much: 4 Cups per 100 Sq. Ft.

Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Ferns, Ground Covers, & Full Grown Plants:

When: In the early spring before growth begins.

How Much: 4 Cups per 100 Sq. Ft.