A lot of people ask me when is the best time to fertilize my tree's and shrubs? Well I usually like to fertilize when I see that its likely to rain that day or when it is going to rain for a few days that would be even better. That way the fertilizer can leach into the soil better and it can get down to the root system faster. Another way is to fertilize and then water down the soil everyday or so to keep the soil wet so it can break down and reach the roots that way.
     The problem I see is when people use a lot of fertilizer and do not water it well enough then you start running into the problem of Reverse Osmosis. This is where the fertilizer actually absorbs water from the soil and the plants or trees. You might know this process as  (Fertilizer burn). When this occurs then the fertilizer pulls water from the tree's , shrubs and surrounding soil. 
       Trees require certain essential elements to function and grow. An essential element is a chemical element that is involved in the metabolism of the tree, In the forest these elements are usually present in sufficient quantities in the soil . Urban trees however may be growing in soils that do not contain sufficient available nutrients. Fertilizing can increase growth , reduce susceptibility to certain diseases and pests and can help reverse declining health. 
        I have personally seen here in New port richey and witnessed the transformation on some of the palms that I have treated with fertilizer after being called out to look at a declining palm that was dying or starting to decline and treating it and teaching the customer about the importance of fertilization of Palms The Palms that I have treated have made miraculous recovery's. Palm decline occurs a lot here in Pasco where everybody wants their palm Hurricane Cut, or a good percentage of the fronds removed which often causes nutrient deficiencies in the palm. Here at Beechnut Tree Service.   we recommend keeping as many green fronds on the palm that is possible and use a slow release fertilizer. This will help prevent fertilizer burn and break down into the soil slowly. Beechnut tree service can provide and assist you in your quest to increase your tree and shrubs health. Fertilizers are also good for fruit tree's if your fruit is not sweet or not growing to the size you think it should be. 
     Besides being good for Palms, Fruit trees, and all plants Fertilizer is good for the health, growth, it is also good for the soil by replacing valuable nutrients that They lack in this urban environment. If we have not answered all of your questions about this subject feel free to contact me and if I can't answer them or  I can connect you with someone who will be able to help you. Beechnut Tree service can make your tree's and shrubs happy again! Also remember to apply the fertilizer around the dripline of the tree or shrub. This is where the absorbing roots live not next to the trunk..... Thanks for stopping by! 

  There is a competition around this time every year. It is known in the tree world and in numerous countries as Legend of the Geezer competition . It was started in 2003 by a friend of mine named Bruce Smith. Bruce at that time was the President of the Florida chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. He was based out of Sarasota Fl. I was and still am based here in New Port Richey, just a few miles north of him. Any way he came up with the idea i believe after Me and my girlfriend at the time were competing in the 2003 Florida ISA tree climbing competition. We were the oldest Man and Woman competing and i think we impressed a lot of the other competitors any way we had a good time. So the Geezers Competition is where Older Ladies and Gentleman Climb tree's in a competition that is meant for much younger people. Beechnut tree service is a proud competitor and a volunteer at this Competition The Picture above is me in the 2013 Comp. Beechnut tree service is and will always give to this worthy cause that has blossomed into a international event that helps bring people and trees together for the better good of both species. If you would like any information on this event don't hesitate to contact me 727-967-8733 or maybe you would just like to learn to climb trees safely feel free to ask us about our Tree Climbing Classes here in New Port Richey starting next spring.