slow release

For those that use Osmocote - When do you apply for fall/end of season growth? Do you apply it at all after summer? This is my first year utilizing it and trying to get an idea of when/if I should apply. Trying to wait till temps start consistently coming down, but also don’t want to apply too...

There is always the possibility of mixing slow release fert directly into the bonsai soil mix at repotting time (early Spring). Is it a wise thing to do? I keep wondering about one or more of the little pellets exploding inside the rootball and doing real damage. In short, is it safe? Does it work?