What Is Foliar Feeding?

Keeping plant material both happy and healthy is a big chunk of being a good lawn and ornamental professional. The healthier your plants are, the better they will look, and the more impressive they will be to guests and visitors. This also rings true for turf, and as lawn and ornamental specialists, we know all about adequately feeding your lawn. Organic Fertilizer is the way to go, adding nutrients directly to your soil. These nutrients act as food for biological/microscopic processes that must take place if you hope to see healthy growth. However, with plant material, this process can be a little different. While most people are used to feeding the soil so roots can scoop up nutrients, there is another way. This is foliar feeding, which we are going to overview today.

What is Foliar Feeding?

The answer to the question asked by the blog title is rather simple. The word foliar refers to the leaves of a plant, which is another place you can inject nutrients. Although plants primarily gather their nutrients through their root systems, they can also absorb nutrients through their leaves because of their transport tissues, xylem, and phloem. While adding fertilizer to the soil is a best practice, foliar feeding is akin to moisturizing your skin. Eating food is great for your health, but so is getting vitamin D from being outside, and adding some moisture to your skincare routine. In this need for comprehensive care, we are just like plants! Foliar nutrients are typically applied in a liquid format and sprayed onto the foliage of a plant. 

Benefits of Foliar Feeding

Yes, fertilization offers many of the same benefits as foliar feeding. Therefore, doing both in conjunction with one another will maximize your results. However, foliar feeding can have even more immediate effects than soil fertilization. The main benefit of foliar feeding is that nutrients are directly absorbed by the plant without passing through the root system. Another benefit is that after identifying what nutrient your plant is deficient in, you can apply that nutrient directly into the plant. Whether it be nitrogen, iron, or even magnesium, foliar feeding is your straightforward solution. Foliar feeding is also a great way to give your plants an extra boost against potential predators like disease, lawn pests, and weeds. Plants that are both fertilized and foliar fed will be unmatched in terms of health if they are properly maintained. 

When to Foliar Feed

First things first, we are always going to recommend you work with a professional company like Higher Ground because they are experienced and offer high-quality services. Foliar feeding is an integral part of our landscape and ornamental program, which you can read about here. However, if you would like to DIY, we want you to be well prepared. The best time to foliar feed is always going to be when temperatures are moderate, in the evening, or close to dusk. You also want to avoid feeding when there is inclement weather that could prevent maximum absorption, like high winds knocking off droplets. Be sure to research the needs of your specific plant as there could be other guidelines to follow. 

Higher Ground Lawn Care and Lighting are ready to take your property to a higher level. Experience why your neighbors and businesses in University Park, TX & surrounding areas trust Higher Ground Lawn Care & Lighting with their properties. Give us a call at (682) 206-3596 or check out our website today.