Shrub/Ornamental Fertilizer Schedule

[jkelton]

Do any of you guys use a different fertilizer for shrub/ornamentals according to different seasons? I called Lesco and they had a 14-14-14 slow release they reccomended. I would like to use the same fertilizer for shrubs and flowers (anywhere there is mulch), but I could change the mixture according to the season. Any information or suggestions would be appreciated.

[ant]

good post....
i am interested in this also
anthony

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Osmacote 100% slow release granular fert. Apply 4 - 5 times a year and never worry about seasons.

[JasperStorm]

"Best Super Iron" 9-9-9 (lots of iron and other trace minerals) applied 2x/yr.

We alter lawn fertilizer formulas by the season, as do most, but doing it for shrubs may be a little nitpicky.

If a customer cancels your contract, you can use 52-0-0 urea on their shrubs, so the replacement scrub can test out the durability of his homeowner-grade powershears.

[jkelton]

How do you guys charge (for instance, sq ft)? Do you see this type of service mainly for residential, or do some of your commercial properties request this? I'm thinking of offering this as an add-on to my mulch service - I can mix the fertilizer with the mulch as I am blowing it in.

[lawnstudent]

I have to agree with LawnGodFather on Osmacote 100% slow release granular fert. but I have to disagree with ignoring the seasons. You don't want to promote new growth on trees and shrubs that will not harden off before the arrival of winter. Spring is good for fert. Early summer is good for fert. Really late fall/early winter is good when there is no chance of stimulating new shoot growth but roots are still actively growing is also good. Late summer and early fall fert apps are going to be a problem. You don't need to be concerned with the seasons and the type of fert. you use ( as long as it's a balanced fert) but you do need to be concerned about when you fert. Good luck.

jim

[Chad@LebanonTurf]

Try Lebanon's Woodace 14-14-14. A lot less expensive than Osmocote and will give you comparable results, if not better.

[jkelton]

Lebanon,
Do you know where I might find a supplier of Lebanon products in my area (Middle Tennessee)?