Laurels are popular evergreen plants, valued for their dense foliage and ability to form hedges or stand as ornamental specimens. To maintain their health and vigor, proper fertilization is important. Supplying laurels with the right nutrients supports robust growth, vibrant appearance, and resilience against environmental challenges.
Why Fertilize Laurels
Fertilization supplies essential nutrients to laurels. Regular feeding helps promote vigorous growth, resulting in dense, lush foliage. Healthy laurels are better equipped to resist common pests and diseases, maintaining their aesthetic appeal. Fertilization also contributes to the plant’s energy reserves, encouraging flowering and healthy berry production. Laurels that receive adequate nutrition tend to exhibit a more uniform and vibrant color.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Laurels
Selecting an appropriate fertilizer for laurels involves understanding their nutritional needs, particularly the balance of macronutrients. Laurels generally benefit from a balanced NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend. Nitrogen (N) promotes lush, green foliage, while phosphorus (P) supports root development and flowering. Potassium (K) helps with overall plant strength and enhances disease resistance.
Beyond NPK, laurels also require micronutrients like magnesium, iron, and calcium for functions such as photosynthesis and enzyme activity. Fertilizers formulated for ornamental trees or evergreens often contain these trace elements.
Laurels generally prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. While they can tolerate some alkalinity, very high pH levels can hinder nutrient uptake. Some evergreen fertilizers are designed to acidify the soil, which can be beneficial for laurels in alkaline conditions.
Slow-release granular fertilizers are often recommended for laurels because they provide a steady supply of nutrients over an extended period, reducing the risk of over-fertilization. Organic options, like well-rotted manure or compost, also offer a slow release of nutrients and improve soil structure.
When and How to Fertilize Laurels
The timing and method of fertilizer application are important for effective nutrient uptake and to avoid plant stress. Laurels generally benefit from annual fertilization, typically in early spring as new growth begins. For established plants, a single application of slow-release granular fertilizer in spring is often sufficient to provide nutrients throughout the growing season.
When using granular fertilizer, spread it evenly around the plant’s drip line, starting at least 2 inches away from the trunk to prevent burning. After applying granular fertilizer, water the area thoroughly to help dissolve the nutrients and carry them into the soil, preventing root burn.
Liquid fertilizers can also be used, though they are less common for laurels. If using a liquid feed, mix it according to product instructions and pour it onto the soil around the plant’s base. For laurels in containers, a slow-release granular or all-purpose water-soluble liquid fertilizer can be used, following the product’s specific application rates. To avoid stimulating tender new growth that could be damaged by frost, cease fertilization about two months before the typical first frost date in your area.
Common Fertilization Issues
Incorrect fertilization can lead to problems for laurels, manifesting as either nutrient deficiencies or signs of over-application. Nutrient deficiencies often appear as yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or poor foliage development. For instance, a lack of nitrogen can cause older leaves to turn pale green or yellow, while phosphorus deficiency might result in darkened foliage. Browning leaf edges can indicate a potassium deficiency.
Over-fertilization, also known as fertilizer burn, can cause more immediate and visible damage. Signs include browning or scorching of leaf tips and margins, yellowing leaves, wilting, and even leaf drop. A white crust of fertilizer salts may also become visible on the soil surface. Over-fertilization occurs when too many nutrients accumulate in the soil, which can reverse the natural flow of water into the plant’s roots, essentially drying them out.
If over-fertilization occurs, it is important to flush the soil with a large volume of water to leach out excess salts, especially for potted plants. Stop fertilizing immediately and allow the plant time to recover. For outdoor plants, ensuring good drainage helps prevent nutrient buildup. Regular soil testing can help determine the actual nutrient levels and pH, guiding fertilization practices to avoid these issues.