Deep Root Feeding Your Trees and Shrubs in Fall

We often forget that our landscape plants need to be fed the same as our lawns. Why? Because, like grass, trees and shrubs are plants – living organisms – that require food in order to live and thrive. This is why a comprehensive maintenance program will include tree and shrub care in addition to scheduled lawn care visits. To make sure the plants will continue to grow and prosper, they need deep root feeding at least once a year, and fall is a good time to do so.

What is Deep Root Feeding?

When we feed a lawn, we apply fertilizers evenly across the lawn’s surface. The fertilizer materials reach the soil where they are absorbed and made available to the grass plants via their root systems. By comparison, trees and shrubs tend to have larger, deeper root systems. Because not all nutrients are as mobile in the soil as others, surface fertilization may not be sufficient to reach those tree and shrub root systems. In addition, surface-feeding trees and shrubs with the necessary fertilizer quantities may adversely affect the surrounding turf, whether by causing excessive growth or outright damage. A better way to feed trees and shrubs is to put the nutrients deeper into the soil.

Why Is Fall a Good Time for Deep Root Feeding?

As long as the ground is not frozen, there is still time to root-feed your trees and shrubs with fertilizer injections. Tree and shrub roots will continue to grow into winter. The roots will absorb a good deal of the fertilizer that is applied at that time. What fertilizer is left will be available for the plant the following spring.

Which Trees and Shrubs Should Be Fertilized?

Deep root fertilization is most beneficial to ornamental trees and shrubs, as opposed to mature shade trees, which are much larger, stronger, and tend not to require supplemental nutrition. These smaller trees and shrubs will take up the injected nutrients and utilize them for enhanced growth and vigor above ground, as well as better root development below. They will become healthier overall and more resistant to disease and insect infestation. Spring Green recommends deep root feeding twice a year, once in spring and again in the fall, as prescribed in our 2-Step Tree Program, which incorporates additional benefits as well.

Spring Green's 2-Step Tree Program FAQs

• Which of my trees and shrubs need deep root feeding? After becoming familiar with the ornamental plants in your yard, your tree care professional will explain which plants should be targeted and why.
• How does deep root feeding work? Specialized professional equipment is used to inject liquid fertilizers into the root zone of the targeted trees and shrubs. For larger trees and shrubs, injections are made in an intermittent grid pattern about a foot away from the base and ending within the perimeter of the “drip line” or canopy. Smaller shrubs receive injections equally spaced around the perimeter, as close to the base as is practical.
• Should I schedule a single service or the full program? We recommend the 2-step program as it's cost-effective and provides care for your trees and shrubs in the spring and fall.
• Can I start in the fall? Yes, absolutely! It's never a bad time to invest in the landscaping of your home.

Don't hesitate to contact your local Spring Green tree care professionals with your questions, or to set up services. Your trees and shrubs will appreciate it!