CHEMICAL LOG " , Quick - Release Fertilizers For Fast Green - Up

Dr. Alex Shigo, noted tree expert, often speaks about an industrywide fallacy that we can "feed" trees, shrubs, turf and other plants. In reality, plants manufacture their own food through photosynthesis. Elements from the air, water and soil are combined and altered in order to provide the starches plants use for energy and growth. Therefore, we cannot feed a plant. What we can do is provide all the essential elements a plant needs in order to manufacture its food. The warm temperatures of springtime bring a flush of growth that can deplete a plant's energy reserves if any elements are deficient. However, applying large quantities of fertilizer with an "it can't hurt" attitude is no longer the way to go (if it ever was). Excessive fertilization is not only a waste of time and money, but, especially with soluble nitrogen, it can be a potential threat to groundwater, streams and ponds.