1. Soil test rarely reveal the cause of decline or death of trees and shrubs. In the vast majority of cases, problems with trees and shrubs are due to diseases, insects and poor growing conditions -- (too wet, dry, poor drainage, herbicide damage, planted in the wrong location -- shade plant in sunny area -- etc.)
2. Even without a soil test, you can confidently fertilize woody plants, trees and shrubs with a slow release fertilizer such as OSMOCOTE 14-14-14 each spring (April or May) at the rate of 1.5 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet under and around plants.
3. To help solve cultural problems with your trees and shrubs, we have trained Master Gardeners on staff. They can provide you with valuable information on growing trees, shrubs, lawns and gardens in this area. They are on duty Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. phone number 746-3701 or 746-5130.

1. Do not take the top 2 inches of soil. Go down 3 to 6 inches to get soil.
2. Take samples from 5 or more random areas (more for a bigger area) zig-zagging across. Take a cup of soil from each of these areas.
3. Mix all samples together in a clean container.
4. Take 1 pint of soil from the mixture to bring in. Soil must be DRY, with no rock , sticks or grass in the sample.
5. Soil samples are $10.00 each. It takes 2 to 3 weeks to get the results back.

Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or handicap, and is an equal opportunity employer. Work in Agriculture, Home Economics, and Related Fields, USDA, OSU and County Commissioners Cooperating.