The Dangers Of Over-Fertilizing Plants And Trees.pdf

Key Takeaways:

- Differentiate between fertilizers and amendments: Fertilizers provide essential nutrients as soluble salt compounds, directly affecting growth; amendments improve soil properties indirectly.
- Follow label directions strictly: Over-fertilization can damage trees and plants permanently by creating high salt concentrations in the soil.
- Consequences of over-fertilization:
- Sudden growth with inadequate root systems leading to poor flowering and fruiting.
- Weakened plants more susceptible to diseases and insects.
- Iron chlorosis, root rot, and increased disease risk due to shriveled roots.
- Leaf wilting, browning margins, defoliation, and slow growth caused by high salt concentrations.
- Test soil before fertilizing: Use organic compost, vermicompost, manures, cover crops, or bone meal instead of fertilizers to improve soil health.
- Prefer natural organic fertilizers: These release nutrients slowly, reducing damage risk to plants and soil organisms.

Additional Information:

- Join Master Gardener Heidi Napier's public education class: "Living With Oaks" on July 27th from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Veterans Memorial Building in Placerville, California.
- El Dorado County Master Gardeners offer garden advice at local farmers markets and their office (Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon; call (530) 621-5512 or visit http://cecentralsierra.ucanr.org/Master_Gardeners/ for more information).