What is a sign of over-fertilization in ornamental gardens?

Over-fertilization in ornamental gardens is characterized by noticeable signs that indicate a nutrient imbalance. One key sign is leaf burn or excessive leafy growth with few flowers. This occurs because an abundance of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, often leads to vigorous foliage growth at the expense of flowering. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth, but when applied in excess, it stimulates lush green foliage while inhibiting flower development.

This excessive growth can also lead to leaf burn, which appears as brown or scorched tips and edges on the leaves. This damage results from the plant's inability to uptake all the available nutrients, causing toxicity within the plant tissues.

Recognizing this sign is crucial for managing plant health and ensuring that the plants can produce blooms instead of merely growing leaves. Understanding the relationship between nutrient levels and plant development allows gardeners to create balanced fertilization programs that promote both healthy foliage and abundant flowers.