Fertilizing your trees and shrubs in South Dakota is crucial for providing the nutrients they need to grow healthy and beautiful. However, what specific nutrients are in plant fertilizers? The two macronutrients often found in these treatments are nitrogen and phosphorus; nitrogen promotes lush, green growth, while phosphorus supports root development and overall strength. In addition to macronutrients, plant fertilizers contain micronutrients like calcium, iron, sulfur, and magnesium. Calcium strengthens cell walls, iron aids in chlorophyll production, sulfur influences enzyme activity, and magnesium plays a role in photosynthesis. To ensure your trees and shrubs thrive, you should fertilize them twice a year, in early spring and mid-fall.

What macronutrients are in plant fertilizers?

Fertilizers contain several nutrients your trees and shrubs need to stay in their best shape, but macronutrients are monumental for their success and are found in higher quantities. Two of the most crucial ones in plant fertilizers are nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitrogen is responsible for making them look lush and green, as it is a key component of chlorophyll production, which is the green pigment that helps your plants convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. When you supply your plants with nitrogen, you're essentially giving them the power to make food. This results in vibrant leaves and robust stems, which are vital for healthy plant development.

On the other hand, phosphorous aids in root development, and with deeper, stronger, more robust systems, your trees and shrubs can stay healthier and resilient to stressors. It also supports energy transfer throughout your plants, boosting flower production and quality.

What micronutrients are in plant fertilizers?

In addition to macronutrients, plant fertilizers contain micronutrients, which are also vital for the overall condition of your trees and shrubs. These include calcium, sulfur, iron, and magnesium. Calcium strengthens cell walls, making your plants more resistant to diseases and environmental stressors. Meanwhile, sulfur aids enzyme activity and plays a role in the formation of important amino acids and proteins, improving their overall growth. Iron is essential for chlorophyll production, which helps your plants capture sunlight and make their own food. Lastly, magnesium helps activate enzymes involved in photosynthesis and nutrient absorption.

How often should you fertilize your trees and shrubs?

To ensure your trees and shrubs have a consistent supply of the macronutrients and micronutrients they need, you should fertilize them twice a year, in early spring and mid-fall. The early spring application will help them emerge from winter dormancy and start stimulating new, healthy growth. That way, they can rebuild their health and strength. Meanwhile, the mid-fall fertilizer treatment will help prepare your plants for the upcoming winter. It'll give them vital nourishment that aids in their recovery from summer stress, fortifies their health, and strengthens their defenses against cold weather and potential stressors.

Granular fertilizers are ideal for your trees and shrubs, as these treatments release nutrients gradually over an extended period rather than all at once.

Give us a call today to schedule our tree and shrub fertilization service.

If you want to ensure your plants have the nutrients they need to stay in tip-top shape year after year, look no further than our expert tree and shrub fertilization service! At Sharp Lawn Care, we'll fertilize your trees and shrubs twice a year, in early spring and mid-fall, to ensure they have consistent nourishment. We also use only top-of-the-line products that contain everything they need, including macronutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, then micronutrients like calcium, sulfur, iron, and magnesium.

We proudly serve residential and commercial properties and HOAs in Sioux Falls, SD, and throughout the nearby areas, including Tea and Harrisburg. We also offer this service in Sioux City, IA. Since 2005, we've been trusted to keep trees and shrubs at their best, and we look forward to doing the same for yours next. If you're in the Sioux Falls, SD area, call us at (605) 251-6880 to schedule our tree and shrub fertilization service today. If you're in Sioux City, IA, you can reach us at (712) 253-8024 to get started.