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Fertilization
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- Fertilizers contain three major nutrients needed for plant life. They are N (Nitrogen), P (Phosphorus), and K (Potassium). Most fertilizers contain more nitrogen (N) than the other two elements because it is most essential in increasing plant health and vigor.
- Plants that are well fed through fertilization are less likely to become diseased and insect infested, unlike undernourished plants. Your plants will feel and look better with programmed fertilization.
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Schedule for Fertilization
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| Trees & Shrubs
Newly installed plants should be fertilized 3 or 4 weeks after planting and every 3 weeks for the first season, until the end of July.
(If the landscape is installed after August, commence feeding in spring.)
All other existing trees, shrubs and groundcovers should be fed in the spring and early summer.
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| Lawns
On newly planted lawns, apply a balanced fertilizer one month after planting and at two month intervals during the growing season.
Nitrogen should be the highest in the spring and in a slow release form in the summer.
The fertilization program begins in March with a pre-emergent crabgrass killer.
There are three other applications that follow in May, September and October.
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| Gypsum
Gypsum is a natural soil conditioner which acts to improve growth by loosening most clay soils that are dense and water impervious.
It helps fertilizers work better and encourages strong, vigorous root systems.
Winter de-icing salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice are toxic to many grasses and plants when accumulations build beyond certain levels.
In addition, these vigorous de-icing agents can cause clay soils to tighten up, preventing water from leaching out the salt.
Applying gypsum helps rejuvenate soil damaged by salt and salty run-off from streets, walks and driveways.
The soluble calcium replaces toxic sodium attached to the soil particles and permits new grass seed and sod to grow again.
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