While I'm not ascribing this to you, Brandon, I just don't want to leave folks with the mistaken (in my opinion) belief that optimal nutrient levels across a wide spectrum of landscape plants-not turf grasses, and def. not corn and soybeans-I always use those because they cover million of acres and have been studied to death-are necessarily known or understood, and more importantly, that there is any practical way to apply said knowledge even if it did happen to exist....and first and foremost, that the nitrogen problem easily eclipses this whole deal, in that that nutrient is never measured in any but the most high-falutin soil analysises, and immediately after said measurement would have theoretically been made, the value would have changed anyway. And that that is significant because despite all the hoopla about some magic elixir of micronutrients (yes, occasionally important), it is nitrogen that is the limiting factor in virtually every system. And we don't know a dern thing about it! As I said much earlier, one way to make the determination that some nutrient or other is "in short supply" is to add it to the system and then observe a growth response. But where that falls down is the fact that virtually every system could see a growth response if N is added. We know better-both of us-than to think that this "proves" that N was lacking. And further, we both know that adding N can lead to problems. I just don't want folks to read something here and then think there's some idealized spot on the continuum for these various nutrients, when in fact, it is the entirety of that continuum that is "the sweet spot". Plants have had to deal with this forever, and they do so very well. +om

You can check out some "before" pics here :) Please note that the before pics were taken in March, 5 months after overseeding and the grass didn't have the chance to fully grow. The "after" pics that I'm posting right now were taken in September, I believe. I went organic right at the beginning of my journey with lawn care and I've never really used chemical fertilizers. I don't live in the US, actually. I'm Polish and I order my SBM and alfalfa pellets online. $15 for a 30 kg (65 lbs) bag + $5 shipping, next day right at my doorstep :) However, I can't find corn gluten meal anywhere here in Poland! Now, not to hijack my own thread, is there anyone who can help me with my original question?

This is a great thread. I am new to this, but finally got my back patio looking great after living in my house for 14 years. I decide to enjoy my new fire pit and realized THIS is my current view. It's probably pretty obvious why I planted these trees, not to mention the loud kids running around in the back yard all day. But after reading a LOT more about these monster trees, I feel like I may have overshot the runway? I planted these 6' off the property line (and 6' apart, not to their trunk center but the edge of the hole...oops) but am still afraid they may grow over the neighbor's yard. There is no fence or other obstruction between our yards (well, except for the, you know.....Dodge Durango!?!) so I am a little concerned about the intrusion in to the neighbor's property. We aren't the best of friends either, so there's that. The trees are about 18" now so won't be an issue for a while, but they are still young enough I could replant if necessary. I included two pictures to show the property line and how much of my yard space I'm giving up (which I am HAPPY to do to eliminate that horrible eye sore!) Any advice on if I allowed enough room for these things?

sounds like you are pretty much on top of it all ... glad to hear no clay issues ... guess my limitation is how sodden i would get personally .. as to my tolerance of working in water ... do you think the plants need any hardening off.. if they are coming from a much warmer clime??? ... though we had a very mild winter.. and very early warm spring ... i still wouldnt be surprised to ma nature walloped us ... temp wise ... i wouldnt worry about snow ... if so.. i wouldnt hurry to spread them all over the property ... maybe just an excuse to not work in water.. lol ken