Skip Laurels (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’) are broadleaf evergreen shrubs valued for their dense growth habit and glossy, dark green foliage. They are notably hardy and generally low-maintenance, providing excellent year-round structure and privacy screening. Although these plants tolerate various conditions, providing supplemental nutrition at the correct time is important for maintaining their lush appearance and vigorous growth. Proper timing and method ensure fertilization supports the plant’s health effectively without causing damage.
Assessing Nutritional Needs Before Fertilization
Established Skip Laurels often require minimal feeding, especially when planted in fertile soil, but visual cues can signal a need for intervention. The most common sign of a nutritional deficit is chlorosis, which manifests as a distinct yellowing of the leaves. If the yellowing appears first on the older, inner leaves while the newer growth remains green, it often indicates a deficiency in mobile nutrients, such as nitrogen.
A lack of overall vigor, such as noticeably stunted growth or sparse foliage, is another strong indicator that the shrub needs a nutrient boost. However, these symptoms can also be caused by poor drainage, root rot, or other environmental stressors. Before applying fertilizer, a professional soil test can precisely identify which specific nutrients are lacking or whether an unfavorable soil pH is inhibiting nutrient uptake. This diagnostic step prevents unnecessary fertilization, which can actually harm the plant by causing root burn or excessive, weak growth.
Optimal Seasonal Timing for Application
The best time to fertilize Skip Laurels is in the early spring, just before or as the first flush of new growth begins. This timing aligns with the plant’s natural physiological cycle as it emerges from winter dormancy and prepares for its most vigorous growth period. Applying nutrients at this moment ensures they are immediately available to support the development of new leaves, stems, and roots.
In many regions, this optimal window falls between March and early April, coinciding with the warming of the soil temperature. Some gardeners choose to apply the fertilizer after the shrub has finished flowering, which typically occurs in the late spring. This slightly later timing helps prevent the diversion of energy away from flower production and toward vegetative growth prematurely. A single annual feeding in the spring is usually sufficient to support the plant’s nutritional requirements.
Avoid fertilizing Skip Laurels during the late summer or fall months. Late-season nutrient application, particularly nitrogen, encourages the shrub to produce a final flush of tender, soft new growth. This immature wood does not have enough time to harden off before the first frost arrives. Consequently, this late growth is highly susceptible to winter damage and freeze injury, which can weaken the entire plant.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer and Application Method
The most effective product for Skip Laurels is a slow-release, granular fertilizer formulated for evergreen shrubs or trees. These formulas are designed to dissolve gradually over several months, providing a steady, consistent supply of nutrients. This prevents sudden growth surges and reduces the risk of root burn. A balanced formula, such as a 10-10-10, is a common choice, though a ratio with a slightly higher nitrogen content, like 10-6-4, may be appropriate to encourage deep green foliage.
When applying the granular fertilizer, spread it evenly on the soil surface, concentrating on the area directly beneath the canopy, known as the drip line. This is where the majority of the shrub’s fine feeder roots are located and can best absorb the nutrients. Keep the granules a few inches away from the main trunk to prevent chemical burn to the bark.
After the fertilizer is spread, the area must be watered thoroughly to help the granules settle into the soil and begin the slow-release process. This deep watering moves the nutrients down into the root zone where they can be accessed by the plant. Following the product label’s recommended application rate ensures the shrub receives the correct amount of nutrients for its size.