Steady Release

• Slow fertilizers are applied once and continue to release their nutrients into the soil for a prolonged period of time. There are several different types of slow fertilizers, with different rates of release, but with all of these types of fertilizers the plants are supplied with a steady diet of nutrients. Fast fertilizers deliver a burst of nutrients, but ornamental plants that flower or blossom over a long period of time can benefit from access to consistent feeding. This steady release feeds blooms and flowers that are on the plant when the fertilizer is applied as well as those that develop well into the release process. With a fast fertilizer, flowers that blossom after all the nutrients have been used or wash away will not benefit from the application.
  
  

Even Growth

• Slow fertilizers are released at a steady rate and in steady proportions, depending on the conditions of the soil. When slow fertilizers are properly spaced around the ornamentals they are feeding, this steady release results in an even distribution of nutrients and an even growth rate throughout the area. Many landscape designs rely on a sense of symmetry, and when all plants are fed at the same rate and grow at the same rate, the result is plants of similar size.
  
  

Fertilizer Burn

• Slow-release fertilizers do not flood the soil with nutrients like fast fertilizers can. A fast release can lead to burning roots and foliage, alternating with plants that are starved for nutrients during a period between fertilizer applications. Heavily applied fertilizers can result in browned or discolored plants, while the slow release of nutrients from slow fertilizers will maintain a steady color for both the leaves and the flowers of an ornamental plant. Flowers fed by a steady diet of slow fertilizer will also show a more uniform color and size.
  
  

Environmental Benefits

• Slow-release fertilizers come in capsules or stakes that keep the nutrients contained until they are acted upon by the soil and the organisms in it. This slow, steady release helps to ensure that the nutrients are used by the plants they are meant for. When the soil becomes saturated by more nutrients than the plants can use, they can easily be washed away by rains and storm runoff. Rains that come soon after application can move nutrients that would otherwise be absorbed into the plants. Not only can this impact the amount of fertilizer that goes to its target destination, but this excess fertilizer can pollute bodies of water and saturate nearby areas. Because the nutrients are contained until being slowly released into the soil, they are also less likely to be lost through evaporation or trapped in decorative stone or mulch found around ornamental plants.