What about fertilizing a new shrub? Fertilizing is important during the initial planting of a new shrub in order to give it the best start. When asked what a person should know about fertilizing a new shrub,...
When asked what a person should know about fertilizing 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, says, "Fertilizing a new shrub should take place at the time of planting." This is done to ensure a good healthy start.
When using the fertilizer during planting, it needs to be mixed with the soil and compost around the hole in order to protect the roots of the yearling. If you cover the roots with pure fertilizer, it is liable to burn them and it is hard to bring a shrub back from that type of damage. The symptoms are obvious, such as the leaves turning brown and wilting, but by the time that these signs appear it's usually too late to undo the harm that's already been done. The concern is not about over-fertilizing; it's usually about not correctly fertilizing or in most cases, not fertilizing enough. You just have to be careful about mixing it properly, especially during the first planting of the shrub, when its roots are at their most vulnerable.
The panel of expert landscapers goes on to say that there are also "root stimulators for both trees and shrubs that can be used in whatever season they're planted." If you choose to add these they "need to be added when you first plant the shrub, then during their first season when they go dormant, or in the following spring." This does not take the place of proper fertilization, it is meant as an extra "boost" for the shrub. There are many vitamins and nutrient supplements available on the market. Ask your local garden store for more information on what is obtainable and best to use in your particular area.
You have to also take into consideration the natural surroundings of the shrub when scheduling fertilization. Climate changes and existing soil nutrients are just a few variables that may affect how often you should fertilize and how much you use as well as other required maintenance. Just because a shrub or a plant is appealing to the eye, does not mean it will work in your particular space or with your individual schedule. Like any other kind of home improvement, landscaping not only takes time to implement, it also takes time to upkeep. How much maintenance it requires mainly depends on the living things, (including shrubs, plants and trees) that you choose to incorporate into the design.
If you have a professional landscaper that is heading your project, he and/or she will discuss this information in detail with you, as well other required maintenance, while planning your design. If you are doing the project yourself, you need to research all of these things thoroughly in order to make the best decisions for your lifestyle as well as your landscape.
