Shrubs and coniferous trees are a spectacular decoration of country houses. They are usually planted at the front facades or in the backyard area. Plants need enough nutrients to truly stay attractive and healthy, and any fertile soil will begin to deplete over time. It is necessary to figure out which fertilizers and in what quantity should be used so that the conifers continue to fully grow and develop..
There are significant differences and individual characteristics between feeding deciduous and coniferous crops. Coniferous trees and shrubs are considered unpretentious and can grow for some time in an area with poor soil, but they tolerate an excess of fertilizers very poorly. They do not need additional nutrition in such quantities as for deciduous specimens. After all, they do not increase the mass of leaves and do not restore the crown in the spring, do not form fruits for harvesting. The small amount of nutrients needed to maintain annual growth will be sufficient.
Fertilizers for conifers
These evergreens are contraindicated in such fertilizing as azofoska, manure, mullein, herbal infusions, complex fertilizers and various organic mixtures from the garden. After such nutrition, crops begin to grow at an incredible rate and, in the end, turn yellow, and sometimes die. The composition of these fertilizers does not correspond to the preferences and requirements of these plants. It is the chemical composition that is recommended to pay attention to when purchasing special fertilizers for conifers in retail chains. Experts believe that inappropriate fertilization will do more harm than no additional nutrition at all..
Top dressing that can be used
A special mixture with magnesium content is necessary for the full-fledged process of photosynthesis, on which the nutrition of the needles depends. Fertilizers with this chemical element are recommended for all conifers and shrubs..
Experienced gardeners and plant growing specialists recommend feeding crops only with mineral fertilizers.
Among organic fertilizers, preference should be given to vermicompost and rotted compost.
Top dressing that cannot be used
Any nitrogen-containing nutrient mixture with a high percentage of this element is contraindicated throughout the year. After such nutrition, young shoots that did not have time to ripen due to rapid growth do not withstand the winter cold and die.
It is not recommended to use mullein and manure from organic fertilizers. It is dangerous for conifers in any concentration and in any form..
Fertilization rules
During the summer season, crops need to be fed twice – in the first half of May and in the second half of August. A later second feeding is undesirable, since it contributes to the formation of a new growth, which simply does not have time to form and grow stronger before the arrival of winter cold weather. These two procedures will be enough for the full growth, development and preservation of the decorative qualities of coniferous crops for twelve months..
When using liquid fertilizers that are quickly absorbed by the roots, you must strictly follow the instructions. It indicates how to make the desired concentration of top dressing, and how much to use it. The finished solution is introduced into the soil of the trunk circles and sprinkled with earth.
Fertilizers in the form of powder or granules, as well as rotted compost and humus, are evenly distributed over the soil surface and dug up together with the ground. Digging can be replaced by light loosening.
If evergreen representatives of the flora are grown in an area with acidic soil, which requires liming, then dolomite flour is recommended as a fertilizer. All the nutrients it contains, including magnesium and calcium, are easily absorbed by the root system.
Fertilizers for conifers (video)
Fertilizers for conifers