Fertilizer Suggestions

[Jonny Klobber]

Last spring and fall I used Espoma fertilizer (Tree-Tone) for all my shrubs and newly planted trees. I know these fertilizers are highly regarded and I'm probably going to use them again, but... Both times I fertilized last year, I got complaints from my neighbors about the smell. It honestly doesn't bother me too much, and I'm ok telling them to just deal with it this year, but before I order a bunch of big bags of Tree-Tone I thought I'd see if anyone here could recommend an alternative fertilizer that might not send my neighbors into a tizzy this spring... I have lots of evergreens (arborvitae, spruce, juniper, hollies, mountain laurels), as well as viburnums, maples, birch, oak, and beds with lots of perennials.... Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[YumYum]

Is it the poop smell they don't like? They must live right on top of you. I spread straight chicken manure and it the smell doesn't bother me.

You could try using blood meal and bone meal. Blood meal does have a smell that dogs and deer can smell. I haven't used any in a good while so I can't remember any smell with blood meal.

 

[Jonny Klobber]

Yes, the poop smell. I actually kind of find it pleasant... Thanks for the tip on bone/blood meal.

 

[Mr_Yan]

Bury some fish as fertilizer on the side near their house, but not buried too deep. Then next year they won't complain much when you go back to your normal brand.

 

[Jonny Klobber]

That's a great idea!