Fertilizing is a factor of need rather than routine. If your soils are deficient in certain plant nutrients and the plants themselves exhibit growth problems consistent with nutrient deficiences, then yes, correcting these deficiencies with fertilizer is of benefit. If you are unsure of the need, test you soil first. It is of just a great a concern to over-fertilize or fertilize improperly or unnecessarily as it is to not fertilize at all.

Most soils will contain most required nutrients in adequate supplies and the regular replenishment of organic matter in the form of a mulch will most often supply what may become lacking or available in limited quantity. Shrubs and trees established in the landscape seldom require supplemental fertilization unless soil conditions are imbalanced.

Thank you! :)

Yes: sample your soil and have it tested to see where you are. Some soils in some regions have terrible, chronic deficiencies and others do not. Fall is the best time to fertilize winter hardy plants, but if you find out your soil is seriously deficient don't starve your plants waiting for fall.

Thanks, bboy. I will definately add that to my spring "to do" list.

If your soil is glacial till, it is probably full of rocks but very rich. If it is sand from glacial outwash, it will probably need nutrients, since they wash out so readily in sand.

Thanks!

THe only think I would add is that I believe every plant benefits from a top dressing of compost in the spring.

Alexa

Unless you are trying to keep the soil cool fall would also be a better time to mulch.