Tree & Shrub Fertilization

Serving Baltimore, Carroll, and Howard Counties and All Surrounding Areas

Why Fertilize Trees & Shrubs

Trees and shrubs are beautiful investments in your landscape — but soil conditions, competing vegetation (like turf), removal of organic matter (leaves, mulch), and environmental stressors can reduce nutrient availability. Proper fertilization helps:

• Promote healthy leaf color and foliage growth
• Improve resistance to pests, diseases, and drought
• Boost flowering and fruiting (where applicable)
• Enhance root development, especially for young or stressed plants

When to Fertilize

The timing of fertilization is critical. Applying at the wrong time can do more harm than good.

Time 

• Early Spring (as buds swell)
• Late Summer to Early Fall
• Fall after leaf drop / Dormant season

Best For

• To support new growth from winter dormancy
• To allow roots to absorb nutrients before dormancy
• For certain species, and to build up nutrient reserves

Notes

• Soil moisture should be adequate so roots can take up nutrients.
• But avoid late-fall fertilizing that stimulates late growth that won’t harden off well.
• Avoid fertilizing newly planted stock immediately; allow establishment first.

Special Considerations

• Newly planted trees/shrubs: Avoid heavy fertilization until the plant has some root establishment. More important early is moisture, a good planting hole, backfill with organic matter, and proper mulch.
• Stress or damage: Trees that have been damaged (construction, drought, pests) may need nutrient support, but also need soil health and good care. Fertilizers alone won’t solve problems unless the roots can take up nutrients.
• Environmental concerns: Overfertilizing can lead to runoff, pollution, salt damage, and late growth vulnerable to frost. 

Our Fertilization Program (Lasbury Tree & Shrub LLC)

Here is how we carry out fertilization services to ensure healthy, thriving plants:

1. Assessment & Soil / Tissue Testing

We begin with a site visit: examine trees/shrubs for signs of nutrient deficiency (leaf color, growth rate, overall vigor), check soil moisture, and often recommend or conduct soil or foliage testing to identify specific needs.

2. Choosing the Right Formula

Based on diagnosis, we select slow-release fertilizers with balanced NPK (or a custom formula if deficiencies are specific). We also consider micronutrient supplements if soil or tissue tests indicate.

3. Timing

Typically, we schedule fertilization in early spring and/or early fall for most species, avoiding periods of drought or extreme heat.

4. Application

• Broadcast over the entire root zone (extending at least to the drip line and beyond if needed).
• Ensure good soil moisture so nutrients can be absorbed.
• Mulch is maintained to protect feeder roots and retain moisture.

5. Follow-up & Monitoring

We track the response (leaf color, growth, flowering), adjust future fertilizer plans, and monitor soil pH and nutrient levels over time.

Signs a Tree or Shrub Needs Fertilization

• Leaves are pale (especially in the upper canopy) or yellowing between the veins.
• Reduced annual growth, with smaller-than-normal leaves
• Sparse flowering or fruiting
• Dieback of tips or branch thinning
• When soil or mulch has been removed or leaf litter cleared away

If you’d like a custom fertilization consultation for your trees or shrubs — perhaps you’re seeing stress, poor growth, or want to improve flowering — give us a call! We can test your soil, pick the best fertilizer, and set the right schedule so your landscape thrives.