Everywhere in nature, preparation for winter is in the works. From squirrels to ants, all types of creatures are gathering food for the cold days ahead. Storing food for winter is as natural for your landscape as it is for the rest of nature. The difference is, it needs our help.
Your plants are geared to take in an extra dose of nutrients in fall to help them manage through winter and to prepare for spring. Growth of leaves and branches has slowed so the nutrients the plant receives are converted to food they store and are used straight through into next spring. Because of the change in your plants, your fall fertilization is perhaps the most efficient single application made all year.
The growth cycle of your plants naturally focuses energy on accessing nutrients and food storage through fall and early winter. Unfortunately, most suburban plants are growing in such poor soil that there simply aren’t enough nutrients available to meet their basic needs.
The basic nutrients in most fertilizers; nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, help shrubs and trees to resist disease and build strong root systems for good storage. Potassium is especially effective in helping plants hold moisture despite dry winter winds.
For healthier and more robust plants next spring, we strongly suggest fertilization of your trees and shrubs this fall. You’ll be glad you did.