High Nitrogen Fertilizer: Where to Use It and What to Use Instead

Matching Fertilizer to Plant Needs

High-nitrogen fertilizers (like 32-6-4 turf formulas) are designed for lawns, not landscape plants. Applying them to evergreens, trees, and groundcovers causes root burn and disrupts soil pH balance.

Why Lawns Need High Nitrogen

Turf grasses require nitrogen for green color, phosphorus for roots, and potassium for stress tolerance. These fertilizers also maintain soil pH at 6-7, ideal for grass but too alkaline for acid-loving plants.

What Your Landscape Plants Actually Need

• Evergreens (arborvitae, pines, yews, junipers): Low NPK (6-4-2), acidic soil (pH 5-6). Use Espoma Holly-tone.
• Shade trees (oak, hickory): Balanced NPK, some prefer acidic soil. Use Espoma Tree-tone.
• Groundcovers (ivy, wintercreeper): Moderate fertility, avoid high nitrogen.

Application Method

Sprinkle 1-3 coffee cups of granular fertilizer around plant bases; rain carries nutrients to roots. Purchase from local nurseries where staff can match products to your specific plants and soil conditions.