Contact your local county Extension office through our County Office List.

Close Icon
   
Science-based gardening information for Colorado communities from CSU Extension, Denver Botanic Gardens, and Green Industries of Colorado.

1752 – Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs in Fall: During Drought   arrow

Fertilizer salts may burn roots when there is insufficient soil moisture. Fertilizers applied in September may also stimulate top growth that could result in excess leaf area for the tree or shrub to maintain during periods of limited soil moisture. If adequate water is available, certain trees and shrubs that only put on one growth flush per year (pines, spruces and firs) could benefit from a fall fertilization. With limited water supplies, do not fertilize these particular plants.

For more information, see the following Colorado State University Extension fact sheet(s).

For more information, see the following Planttalk Colorado™ script(s).

Tell us what you think!

Do you have a question? Try Ask an Expert!