can I apply organic fertilizer and lime to a lilac bush at the same time or should it be separately?

Question

It’s a 2 yr old bush in partial shade that has had minimal flowering. Should I remove the 2-4 inch of mulch from the base before applying fertilizer?

Answer 1

If you intend to replace the mulch with fresh mulch then you will remove it. If you intend to keep it in place, then the fertilizer can be applied as a topdressing. Both can be applied at the same time with no worries.