These nutrients are the three numbers on a fertilizer bag listed in order (N-P-K). So, a fertilizer that contains 5-10-10 means it has 5 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus (phosphate), and 10 percent potassium (potash).

All fertilizer labels have three bold numbers. The first number is the amount of nitrogen (N), the second number is the amount of phosphate (P2O5) and the third number is the amount of potash (K2O). These three numbers represent the primary nutrients (nitrogen(N) – phosphorus(P) – potassium(K)).

Apply the first spring application when new growth begins and the second application 30 days later. Apply the first fall application after the grass’s fast summer growth slows and the second application 30 days later. Mow your lawn three days prior to spreading the fertilizer.

Organic fertilizers that are high in nitrogen include urea, which is derived from urine, feathers, dried blood and blood meal. Feathers contain 15 percent nitrogen; dried blood contains 12 percent nitrogen; and blood meal contains 12.5 percent nitrogen.

four times per year

Perennial Plants If your plants are well established and you want to make sure that they have what they need to put out new growth in the spring, a balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 is a common choice. Raspberries, strawberries, asparagus and even roses can benefit from an early spring feeding with 10-10-10.

An all-purpose, granulated 10-10-10 fertilizer applied at a rate of 1/2 cup per 4 feet of height per rose provides balanced nutrition. Spread the fertilizer throughout the base of the rose, and water it in thoroughly. Repeat this process once each month from May through August.

Fruit Trees — It is generally not necessary to fertilize fruit trees. Fruit trees making less than desirable growth may need fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, in early spring before bud break. The recommended rate is 1/10 pound of actual nitrogen per year of tree age.

There is no one definition of what 10-10-10 fertilizer is because each company may have different ingredients. They all contain 10% of each element, but other than that, they can vary. The more common ingredients are ammonium hydroxide, urea, ammonium nitrate, phosphoric acid, and potassium hydroxide.

GroundWork All Purpose Fertilizer, 10-10-10, 65921 at Tractor Supply Co. Search for an item using a photo!

Fruit tree pruning can be done in winter, spring or early summer. This article explores how pruning at different times of the year can affect your fruit tree’s health and productivity. You can prune those in the late winter to spur vigorous growth.

spring

If you don’t prune a tree, you will get more shade and fruit. If you prune a tree, you will have less fuit, but larger ones.

While young pear trees (Pyrus spp.) can be trained to various growth habits in which the pear whip is topped after planting, the upper crown of a mature tree should never be lopped off. Nor will topping a pear tree encourage fruit production.

Winter is a good time to prune free-standing apple and pear pear trees to improve the tree’s shape. Prune when the tree is dormant and before the buds begin to burst, between November and early March.

When is Late Winter? Late winter is 4 to 6 weeks before spring thaw begins. This could be any time in January to May, depending on your climate.

Dormant pruning is usually done in late winter, six to 10 weeks before the average last frost in your area. You can prune shrubs at any time of year if it’s necessary—for example, to remove broken branches or dead or diseased wood, or to remove growth that is obstructing a walkway.

Over pruning reduces the foliage that’s available for making food for the rest of the plant and can allow pests and diseases access to the tree, if cuts are made incorrectly. So, although pruning may not kill your plant directly, over pruned trees and shrubs can die as a long term result of the associated stress.

So March would be early spring, April mid spring and May late spring.

One wrong cut won’t immediately kill your tree, but pruning incorrectly or too often can. Keeping the branch collar intact helps make sure the wound properly seals after being pruned, but if it’s injured, the wound could get infected by decay fungi that could further spread within the tree.

Yes, as you notice dead branches, you should cut them off, if possible, no matter what time of year it might be. This will speed up the healing process and potentially prevent an accident which could hurt someone or damage property.

Dormant branches are simply resting temporarily before they spring to life again, but dead branches cannot revive themselves. A dead branch and a dormant branch may look similar from a distance, but up close each exhibits subtle characteristics that defines its state of life.

Diseased, dead and broken branches should be removed right away. Pruning for shape isn’t necessary until the first winter after planting. Regular pruning throughout the life of a tree reduces the amount of work necessary and the stress on the tree.

If your tree is sick or only part of it is dying, you may still be able to save it with the help of an arborist. Tip: Conducting regular tree care and maintenance such as proper pruning, treating for disease and pests, and fixing structural damage will also help improve your tree’s health.