Can you use too much fertilizer with a new shrub? The roots of a new shrub can easily become burnt from fertilizer if too much is added. When asked "Can you use too much fertilizer with a new shrub?", our...
When asked "Can you use too much fertilizer with a new shrub?", our panel of top experts from Greenview Landscaping including Johanna who has been a landscape designer with the company since 2002, Ben who is a landscape design/build manager, and Tom who serves as the company's maintenance manager, replies, "Yes, you can. You can damage the roots. If you dig a hole and plant a tree or a shrub and put nothing but compost next to it, you would probably burn the roots. You should always mix it with the existing soil. It is actually too hot for the plant, and putting too much fertilizer down can burn the roots and essentially kill the plants."
When asked about the signs of over fertilization, the experts say, "If a shrub is over fertilized, it looks like the shrub is just wilting. The leaves will curl up, turn brown, turn black, fall off, and it almost looks like it's under a lot of stress, or like it needs more water. This is what shows that the root system has been damaged and the water will not go up into the plant because of the damage from the fertilizer." When asked how to get the shrub healthy again, the experts from Greenview say, "Many times when you notice it, if you really over fertilized it, it might not be something you can fix; it might not come back very well." If it is beyond this point, it may be easier to just re-plant a new shrub and start over then to extend a lot of wasted effort.
When in doubt, consult someone that is an expert. Better yet, do the research about the shrub that you are planting, its maintenance and care, before you decide to use it in your landscaping. This can be done easily on the internet (Greenview's website can be found at www.greenview.net) or by making a few calls to local landscapers or garden stores. Most will be glad to share their knowledge with you on smaller details, hoping that you will throw some business their way when you need to purchase supplies, hire laborers, or at the very least recommend them in the future to someone else that is in need of their services.
There are also many books that are available for the novice landscaper. Even older ones, which can be found a dime a dozen in thrift stores and at garage sales, offer great starting tips. Sure, advances have been made in the field of landscaping, just like in any other trade, but some good "old-fashioned" advice including simple techniques is a great place to begin.
With a little planning, the risk of over fertilizing your shrubs is not a big thing to worry about. As the panel experts goes on to say "It's not as common a problem as you would think. Many homeowners will burn their lawns from over fertilization. But most trees and shrubs are not really dying because of being over fertilized; it's usually because most people don't fertilize them enough."
