Should Stones Near Shrub Be Removed Before Applying Fertilizer

Question From: Charter Township of Clinton, Michigan, United States
Q: When fertilizing shrubs, should I push river rock stone away from shrubs before fertilizing with dry fertilizer, or can I just put fertilizer over the stones that are next to the shrubs. Will the shrubs eventually get the nourishment from the fertilizer?

A: Hopefully you are using a slow release organic fertilizer. Sprinkle it on the rocks and water it in. Pushing the river rocks away would be best however. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy