Micro-injection is the straight injection of essential nutrients into the trunk of the tree or shrub. It is a customary commercial practice for relieving or invigorating trees showing stress or decline symptoms. Nutrients can also be placed in gelatin capsules and set in in holes in the tree trunk. Micro-injection research is relatively limited and results are often conflicting. Drilling holes, implanting or injecting fertilizer and sealing holes can lead to trunk disfiguration and decay. Foliar applications, injections or implants should only be considered when soil application of fertilizer is not viable. These measures are considered short-term cures for nutrient deficiencies and pest infestations. Ultimately, the proper soil and foliar applications must be engaged for a long-term cure.

Fertilizer Placement

Fertilizer should not be concentrated around the base or trunk of a tree or shrub, but should be applied over as much of the plant's root zone as possible. For trees and shrubs, fertilizer should be applied over an area twice as large as the crown spread. Since most landscape plant roots grow in the top foot of soi[l/c] surface, but not deep application, is recommended.

Factors Affecting Fertilizer Uptake

Numerous elements impact how easily and well trees and bushes assimilate fertilizers. The most significant uptake factors are: Fertilizer variant (inorganic, quick release,or fluid forms are assimilated faster than organic,slow-release, or dry forms) Soil type (clay particles and organic matter assimilate or bind more nutrients than sand, so fertilizer needs to be applied more frequently in sandy soils, but with lesser rates each time due to leaching potential) Soil moisture content and soil temperature (nutrient uptake is faster in moist warm soils) Plant vigor (plants under stress are more ineffective in assimilating available nutrients because of damaged or decreased root systems)

Timing of Application

Fertilizer should be given when plants require it, when it will be most effective, and when plants can readily take it up. Late summer and early fall fertilization may rouse new growth that is not winter hardy, and summer drought may interfere with nutrient uptake, but spring, fall, and winter applications are acceptable. A split application may be beneficial, applying half the yearly rate in early spring and the rest in the fall as or after plants go dormant. If water is unavailable, do not fertilize at all - plants will be unable to take up the nutrients. (During a dry season, fertigation - application of fertilizer through an irrigation system can be valuable.)

Tree and bush fertilization comprises only one part of aggregate plant maintenance. Fertilization might not benefit a plant if it's under stress from inadequate soil aeration or drainage, sodden soil, deficient light or space, or excessive pest problems. Altogether factors determining plant growth should be kept at optimal levels to guarantee plant vigor.

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