What measures can be made to save a bush after fertilizer spike ideal for evergreens was used on another plant

Question

Please help! We accidentally used Jobe's fertilizer spikes for evergreen trees and shrubs on a lilac bush. The bush is now turning brown at the top branches from the large amount of acid in the spikes.. Is there anything we can do to counter-act the acid? We've dug all around the bush and we can't find the spike..

Answer 1

Flood the area with water. Leave the hose on it for a day or two. It will help flush out and wash down the fertilizer. Lilacs are generally pretty hardy and should recover. Hope this helps

Answer 2

You've burned a few roots. Or in putting the spike in your cut a root. Digging around didn't help. Right now water, water and more water.

I really don't like fertilizer spikes:

1. The put fertilizer in one spot in a concentrated solution that will burn nearby roots.
2. Pound for pound with bag fertilizer, the spikes are obscenly expensive. You'd do far better broadcasting fertilizer over the whole root system instead of feeding just one side. Plants don't freely transport throughout the plant. We see this when one root encounters something bad and a portion of the plant dies.

If you feel you really acidified the area, spread some lime, a few handfuls should do it. I wouldn't use baking soda because of the sodium.

Think of other possible causes for the dieing back, insects for example. Lilac borer?

Answer 3

Using compost is the best for the bush and the environment. Many fertilizers, even organic ones, are chemical based. These chemicals get into the rain run off and end up in the water table, creeks, streams and end up polluting those very waters. You can buy compost or if you want the convenience of a liquid food, get some deodorized fish oil. Mix according to the directions on the bottle.