Heavy nitrogen fertilizer applications on trees and shrubs may:

• A. Decrease vegetative growth
• B. Increase vegetative growth at the expense of flowering
• C. Increase flowering
• D. Improve fruit set

Answer: (B)

Heavy nitrogen fertilizer pushes trees and shrubs to grow more leaves and longer shoots, creating a lush, dense canopy. This boost in vegetative growth uses resources that would otherwise go into forming and developing flower buds. As a result, flowering is reduced or delayed while the plant is focused on building foliage and stems. In practical terms, applying a lot of nitrogen tends to make plants look very vigorous, but with fewer blooms, because the energy balance favors vegetative tissues over reproductive ones. To encourage flowering, growers usually lower nitrogen inputs and provide nutrients that support bloom and fruit development, while maintaining healthy growth.