Tree and Shrub Fertilization for Stronger, Healthier Plants
Your ornamental plants need consistent nutrition to thrive. Our 7-visit tree and shrub care program delivers granular nutrients at the drip line throughout the growing season, promoting vigorous growth and natural disease resistance.
This Service Requires Our Lawn Care Program
Tree and shrub care is offered exclusively to customers enrolled in one of our lawn care programs. This ensures we can provide comprehensive care for your entire property.
VIEW LAWN CARE PROGRAMS7-Visit Tree & Shrub Care Program
Our comprehensive program combines insecticide, fungicide, and fertilizer treatments throughout the year. The Feb/March visit includes slow-release granular fertilizer to promote healthy growth without risk of burn.
Visit 1
January
Insecticide treatment targeting dormant pests and overwintering insects
Visit 2
Feb/March
Granular fertilizer application to promote healthy spring growth
Visit 3
April
Insecticide and fungicide combo as new growth emerges
Visit 4
June
Insecticide and fungicide protection during peak growing season
Visit 5
July/August
Insecticide and fungicide during summer stress period
Visit 6
September
Insecticide and fungicide as temperatures cool
Visit 7
November
Final insecticide treatment before winter dormancy
Why We Fertilize at the Drip Line
The drip line is the outer edge of a plant’s canopy where rain naturally drips off the leaves. This is where the most active feeder roots are located, making it the ideal place to apply fertilizer for maximum uptake. Applying granular fertilizer here allows nutrients to slowly release into the root zone over time.
Targets the active root zone where nutrients are absorbed best
Slow-release formula feeds plants over weeks, not days
No risk of fertilizer burn from concentrated application
Balanced nutrients for foliage, roots, and overall plant health
Works with rainfall and irrigation to deliver nutrients naturally
Signs Your Plants Need Fertilization
Ornamental plants compete with grass for soil nutrients, and Charlotte’s clay soil often lacks the balanced nutrition plants need. Without regular fertilization, trees and shrubs gradually decline in appearance and become more susceptible to stress and disease.
Pale or yellowing leaves indicating nutrient deficiency
Slow or stunted growth compared to previous years
Sparse foliage or reduced flowering
Increased susceptibility to disease and pest problems
Early leaf drop or poor fall color
How FineTurf Works
Getting comprehensive care for your trees and shrubs is straightforward.
1
Start with one of our lawn care programs. This gives us access to care for your entire property.
2
Add Tree and Shrub Care
We assess your ornamental plants and set up a fertilization schedule tailored to their needs.
3
Watch Your Landscape Thrive
With consistent nutrition delivered seven times per year, your plants stay healthy and vibrant.
Tree and Shrub Fertilization Questions Answered
How often should trees and shrubs be fertilized?
For best results in Charlotte’s climate, ornamental plants benefit from consistent fertilization throughout the growing season. Our 7-visit program, running from March through October, provides regular nutrition when plants are actively growing and can absorb nutrients most effectively. This approach is more effective than one or two heavy applications per year.
What type of fertilizer do you use?
We use slow-release granular fertilizer specifically formulated for ornamental plants. This type of fertilizer breaks down gradually over months, providing steady nutrition without the surge-and-fade pattern of liquid applications. The granular form also eliminates the risk of fertilizer burn that can occur with concentrated liquid products.
Why do I need a lawn care program to add fertilization?
Tree and shrub care works best as part of comprehensive landscape management. When we are already on your property for lawn treatments, we can coordinate tree and shrub applications efficiently, monitor plant health during each visit, and catch problems early. This integrated approach produces better results and allows us to provide the consistent care your ornamental plants need.
Give Your Trees and Shrubs the Nutrition They Need
Healthy, well-fed plants are more resistant to stress, disease, and pests. Start with our lawn care program to add tree and shrub fertilization.