Deep_Root Feeding Techniques and Fertilizers For Same

[The Lawn Crew]

What is the best deep-root feeding technique. have a friend with an 18 gpm Bean Pump and a deep-root feed gun. What pressure is correct for deep-root feeding? How far apart should the injections be made for azaleas, arorvitaes, and larger evergreens?

What is the best liquid fertilizer to use, and at what cost? He is leary of a water-soluble granule because of agitation and clogging issues.

Finally, roughly how many gallons per working day would he be using?

Thanks!

[GrazerZ]

Does your friend have the internet????
Too many variables in those questions.
We use arbor green
Spacing depends if its a tree or shrub.

[tremor]

Pressure is usually 150 psi.
Spacing is around 18" in a grid pattern withing the outer half of the radius plus 20%.
Volume applied is largely a matter of personal preference but in reality; the more water the better. Tank size & Truck/CDL limitations & laws probably have the greatest influence.
Slow release Nitrogen sources are the king to good deep-root jobs.

Arbor Green is very good - it's N is all UF but even with the addition of poly-alkaide suspenders, likes to settle & is very abrasive to Bean pumps. You might want to consider a MU or triazone urea based true fluid Nitrogen sources for this reason.

Shipping is the greatest concern with true fluid fertilizers. The majority of manufacturers want to ship more than 5000 gallons at a time. Buy in drums & the cost soars. Five gallon cases are ridiculously expensive. Remember that 5 gallons of fluid fertilizer is about equal in weight to a 50 lb bag of powder-blue but the analysis is about half. That other half is water. So prepare to double the storage space needed for a comparable liquid. Compare the cost of each & you might wish to reconsider fluids.

[ant]

tremoe:nice to see you back on line..
ant

[The Lawn Crew]

What brand and formulations are suggested for deep root feeding? What is the most cost effective? Is Lesco's GreenFlo 18-3-6 with 50% CRN any good?

[olive123]

deep root injection is a farce. Major feeding roots are within the top foot of soil.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by The Lawn Crew

What brand and formulations are suggested for deep root feeding? What is the most cost effective? Is Lesco's GreenFlo 18-3-6 with 50% CRN any good?

Yes it is good. Even better if you add 12-0-0 FeroMec AC to it at 2 to 1, or 5 gal of 18-3-6 and 2.5 gal of 12-0-0 to 200 gal of water.

[Mscotrid]

Originally Posted by olive123

deep root injection is a farce. Major feeding roots are within the top foot of soil.

Olive,

The majority of commercial arborist feed at about 6-12 inches. Deep root is more of a common name than actual method. Ever heard of "watergrass" from your customers? I have seen the retail market buy their probes at the big box stores drop in a tablet and sink that rod in the ground to the hilt because they know no better.

You are correct about the rootzone, just I would'nt blanket the whole application method a farce.

JMO

[Neal Wolbert]

Relative to insertion depth, it certainly depends on the type of plants your treating. If you have ever seen air spading done on tree roots you will note that feeder roots are very shallow in non-grass areas, usually starting at about 1" or even shallower depending on mulch age and thickness. In those areas starting at 6" will miss a lot of vital feeder roots and any thing below 8" may be wasted in my opinion. Most shrub roots would follow along those same lines. A good rule of thumb would be to start the flow just below the mulch or at 1" and stop no deeper than 8". In grass areas the deeper insert might be wise, say 6" to 10-12".

Many applications can be made on the surface if feeder roots are very shallow and the soil well drained. Using high water rates of 10-15 gals./1000 sq. ft. would be enough water to carry material to the feeders unless the soil is very compact.
Neal

[upidstay]

I like liquid Bolster for deep root feeding. Always had great luck. And don't stick the probe past 8".