A lush, green lawn is every homeowner’s dream, but if you aren’t careful, you can do more harm than good. Before you purchase a lawn fertilizer, make sure you know how it impacts the trees and shrubs in your yard, so you can take measures to keep your plants safe. Let’s take a closer look at lawn fertilizers, and what you need to know before purchasing one for your yard.
Understanding Lawn Fertilizers
There are several different types of lawn fertilizers, and not all of them are safe for trees. Some are synthetic fertilizers, while others are made from natural products. Weed and feed, a common type of lawn fertilizer, is composed of a fertilizer, which “feeds” your lawn and contains a weed killer that eliminates weeds, and can choke out your grass. Although it’s extremely efficient at nourishing grass and killing weeds, the weed killer in these products can’t differentiate between the types of plants you intend to kill and the ones you want to keep. Unfortunately, tree roots can mimic the qualities of some weeds.
To keep your trees and shrubs safe, purchase a lawn fertilizer that’s natural, and apply it carefully without getting too close to your trees and shrubs. Pay close attention to your trees and shrubs to make sure they’re not being negatively affected by the fertilizer you’ve applied to your lawn.
The Relationship Between Trees, Shrubs, and Lawn Fertilizers
A lawn fertilizer is designed to nourish the grass, so it grows lush and green. It’s formulated specifically for your lawn, and it’s not designed to nourish other plants like shrubs and trees. Many lawn fertilizers won’t affect your trees and shrubs at all, but fertilizers that contain a synthetic weed killer can damage their roots. That’s because trees and shrubs have similar features to broadleaf weeds, and a weed killer doesn’t know the difference.
To fertilize your trees and shrubs, it’s best to start with a soil test. That way you can tell what nutrients they’re lacking and which ones need to be replaced. Most often, Denver trees and shrubs are nitrogen deficient, and they’ll thrive with a fertilizer that has a 2-1-1 or a 3-1-1 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Factors Influencing the Impact of Lawn Fertilizers
Different types of trees and shrubs will react differently to lawn fertilizers. That’s because some may be more susceptible to being injured by weed killers and other synthetic chemicals. Other species of trees and shrubs may be more tolerant and adaptable when exposed to lawn fertilizers, and they won’t be affected at all.
When it comes to lawn fertilizers, it’s always best to be safe. That means purchasing fertilizer that’s natural and keeping it away from your tree and shrub roots. When in doubt, it’s also a good idea to ask the experts.
Best Practices For Applying Fertilizers Near Trees and Shrubs
When you decide to fertilize your lawn, it’s best to apply the fertilizer during the fall, early in the morning, while the grass is still wet with dew. Using a spreader, begin by fertilizing the perimeter of your yard, and then move inward, avoiding the bases of trees and shrubs. If you are worried that your lawn fertilizer is damaging your trees and shrubs, you can thoroughly soak the lawn, which will dilute the fertilizer and wash it away.
Fertilize Your Lawn Safely With American Arbor Care
At American Arbor Care, we’re committed to keeping lawns in the Denver area healthy and looking their best. We’re happy to answer questions and provide services to ensure that your landscape looks fantastic. Contact us today to get started.