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Backgroud Information
When it comes to new landscape installations, an often overlooked element is plant nutrition. When trees receive the proper amount of nutrition they more easily adapt to their new surroundings making them less susceptible to disease, insects and other environmental stress factors. Optimal plant vigor can be achieved when all the essential elements are in ample and readily available forms which are divided into two groups: macronutrients (elements that are consumed in larger quantities) and micronutrients. Most fertilizers only supply the primary macronutrients Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) and often overlook the six micronutrient elements Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo) and Zinc (Zn). These micronutrients play key roles in plant growth even though the required amount of any one of the micronutrients is a very small fraction compared to the macronutrients.
Recommended Fertilizer
Treeland recommends that customers apply Dynamite All Purpose 18-6-8 controlled release fertilizer which provides a steady and continuous supply of macronutrients and micronutrients for up to 9 months. The numbers represent the percentages of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium within the fertilizer meaning Dynamite All Purpose 18-6-8 has 18% Nitrogen, 6% Phosphorus, and 8% Potassium. Dynamite All Purpose also has 1.20% Magnesium (Mg), .02% Boron, 1.00% Chlorine, .05% Copper, .20% Iron, .06% Manganese, .02% Molybdenum and .015% Zinc.
Where to Buy
Dynamite All Purpose 18-6-8 can be purchased at Home Depot. We recommend that you call their customer service departments before you go to see if they have it in stock and if they don't then they can tell you which stores do. The following UPC numbers can be given to the customer service representative so they can easily check the items availability status:
1 lb. bottle - 785344059517
2 lb. bottle - 785344877630
How it Works
 Controlled release fertilizers like Dynamite All Purpose 18-6-8 provide the greatest degree of safety because each granule completely coats the macronutrients and micronutrients which ensure a consistent and predictable release. When Dynamite is applied to the soil, water enters the granule through the pores and dissolves the nutrients which are then steadily released through the same pores. The rate at which the nutrient solution is released is primarily controlled by temperature and that rate strongly correlates with trees metabolism. For example, when it is warm and trees are in active growth the coating expands allowing more nutrients to be released. As temperatures drop and trees go into dormancy in preparation for winter the coating contracts nearly ceasing the release of nutrients. This extremely consistent fertilizer release even during extreme conditions allows customers to apply Dynamite all year long.
Application Rates
1st Year Application Rates |
Container Size |
Grams |
Ounces |
30 Gallon |
325 |
11.4 |
45 Gallon |
575 |
20.1 |
65 Gallon |
625 |
21.9 |
100 Gallon |
1075 |
37.6 |
135 Gallon |
1075 |
37.6 |
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How to Apply
Top-Dress by placing the fertilizer directly on top of the soil surface. Care should be taken to evenly distribute the granules around the entire root ball to encourage proper root development.
When to Reapply
One common question that customers have is if there is an exact duration at which the Dynamite releases fertilizer so they know when to reapply. Controlled release fertilizers like Dynamite have variable release rates based primarily upon soil temperature and slightly upon moisture. Customers can not simply reapply the Dynamite 9 months from their previous application as the label suggests. The 9 months is used to indicate the number
of days required for 80% of the contained nitrogen to release when the
Dynamite is held at a constant temperature of 77° F. The only way to gauge where a granule is in regard to how much fertilizer is left within the coating is to sample about 10 granules. After collecting the granules gently clean them off by wiping off the visible dirt and then gently squeeze them individually between your thumb and index finger. We are looking for the color of the liquid that comes out of the granule. Make sure to pay close attention because there is not a lot of liquid that comes out of each granule and as it comes out it quickly spreads over your fingertips. As long as there is a green cast to the liquid then there is still nitrogen within the granule and you do not need to reapply fertilizer. When there is no longer any nitrogen within the granule the liquid appears gray or the granule is completely dry and in either case it is time to reapply the fertilizer.
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