There’s more than one way to fertilize trees and shrubs, and different approaches can be found in every corner of the globe. Some are more effective than others, some are greener and some work better based on the tree, shrub and climate. If you want to get creative, check out some of the more innovative ways to ensure thriving greenery. However, if you really want the best results, depend on your local arborist who knows which strategies are best for your environment and precious plants.

A Hairy Situation

In developing countries, you use what’s readily available for fertilizer. Hair, both human and animal, is a proven fertilizer that’s rich in nitrogen. Even better, it’s a natural deer repellant, which makes it a viable choice for many in the United States. While you can use just about any mammal hair, you can also call a local salon or barbershop to see if they can or do save hair for donations like this — many do!

Matches (not just for bathrooms)

Make sure you soak your used match in water first, then tuck it into the soil near the plant for a magnesium boost. This is a great organic use of a match that’s already used anyway. Just be careful in extremely dry weather and make sure the match is cool before planting it. Otherwise, it can burn the roots at best and start a fire at worst.

Banana Peels

Recent health reports are highlighting the benefits of eating banana peels yourself. However, if that just isn’t appealing, don’t toss them. Bananas and their peels are an excellent source of potassium for plants — especially roses. In fact, it’s a trick of many rose award winners, and this technique encourages your family to eat more fruit, too.

Coffee Grounds

Many Americans are picking up on this trend, and it’s a great way to make sure every last drip of your morning cup is put to use. For a long time, it was rumored that grounds were acidic and harmful to plants. Not true! They’re actually brimming with nitrogen and a great addition to your landscape. If you’re not a coffee addict, ask your local café for their used grounds. Many shops are happy to give them away.

Grass Clippings

Do you dread mowing your lawn because of the inevitable raking that follows? It turns out that grass clippings are a natural fertilizer, so feel free to leave them strewn about. However, they do need to be relatively short, otherwise you risk killing the growing grass underneath. Aim to cut no more than 1 inch, and your ground will get a jolt of much-needed nitrogen.

Fertilizing your trees and plants is a vital part of the gardening experience, but it can be time-consuming. For best results, call Reliable Tree Care and let a professional team take care of fertilizing trees and shrubs for you.