If you fertilize when it's dry, the wind will blow the fertilizer away from where you put it down. Fertilizing just before it rains is the best option, but not if it's going to be a downpour.

Also, most gardeners use WAY too much fertilizer in their gardens. Mature trees and palms use much less fertilizer than new plantings. The maximum number of applications per year is 3. One is good if the bulk of your plant material is native. Two is standard - late spring (now) and late fall (October or November.)

Really? Wind really blows fertilizer away? I don't think I've ever had that happen to me - perhaps everyone's experience is different....?

I agree about the over application of conventional fertilizers - that's why I also prefer to use organic amendments - they won't shock or burn plants. I live in a waterfront neighborhood. I've been happy to read the recent news that a number of communities will likely be banning phosphate fertilizers to protect our bays & waterways.

I also learned that the high nitrogen lawn fertilizer applied by many lawn care companies can be the kiss of death to palms . Their roots can go out as much as 50 feet in each direction so if the roots live under turf , the palms can really suffer a slow decline and eventual death .

Just as with laundry soap and shampoo - most of the times - less is more .
As in more better !