Early Spring Fertilization

Fertilizing not only provides increased growth but gives plants the proper nutrients they need to grow healthy, as well! Spring is a great time to fertilize as your plants prepare to come out of winter dormancy. Here are our suggestions for which ones to feed and what to feed them. We at Evergreen of Colonial Height’s suggest using a granular fertilizer whenever possible, since its slower continual release of nutrients provides a consistent release of fertilizer for 6+ weeks.

We recommend fertilizing at a plant’s drip line. The drip line is the area directly underneath the spread of limbs. The best absorption of rainwater and nutrients happens at the dripline where the excess water drips from the tree and the root system that branches out. Placing fertilizer directly at the base or next to the trunk is not an effective way to fertilize.

Broadleaf Evergreens

Broadleaf Evergreens such as Holly plants, Mountain Laurel, & Hemlock will benefit from Espoma Holly Tone or Espoma Evergreen Tone

Azaleas & Rhododendrons

The fertilizing of Azaleas and Rhododendrons should be performed shortly after their flowering period has ended. Just apply a granular fertilizer to the soil or mulch layer surface. We suggest using Espoma Holly Tone or Fertilome Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Food which should to be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season between flowering in spring and bud set in early fall.

Deciduous & Evergreen Trees

Trees need a feeding too and if they have lawn grass below them (as many do), Fertilome Tree & Shrub Food or our 12-6-6 Professional Nursery Formula which is great for all kinds of trees and shrubs and contains a special formula to move the food directly to the roots when applied around the tree or shrub’s drip line.