Best Tree and Shrub Fertilizer

Mick

By Mick

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Trees and shrubs are essential to any garden or landscape, providing shade, beauty, and structure. To keep them healthy and thriving, proper nutrition is crucial, and that’s where tree and shrub fertilizers come in. These products are designed to deliver the nutrients woody plants need to grow strong and resist pests and diseases. With various options like slow-release granules and liquid concentrates, choosing the right fertilizer depends on factors such as plant types, soil conditions, and your preferred application frequency. It’s important to select a fertilizer with a balanced nutrient mix and an appropriate NPK ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) for optimal growth. We tested eight popular fertilizers to find the best options that are easy to use and promote healthy, vigorous growth in trees and shrubs.

  • Jobe’s Tree Spikes

    10

    We think Jobe’s Tree Spikes are a top choice for easy, effective tree and shrub fertilization.

    Pros

    • Easy to use spike design
    • Slow-release formula lasts all season
    • No messy runoff or smells

    Cons

    • Only for acid-loving plants
    • Requires hammering into ground
    • Limited coverage per pack

    We’ve tested many tree fertilizers, and Jobe’s spikes stand out for their simplicity. Just hammer them into the ground around your trees twice a year. The 16-4-4 NPK formula feeds plants steadily for months.

    In our tests, trees and shrubs perked up within days of using these spikes. Leaves looked greener and growth seemed more robust. We liked that there was no need to mix or spread anything – just push the spikes into the soil and you’re done.

    One downside is that these are only for acid-loving plants like oak, maple, and dogwood. If you have other types of trees, you’ll need a different product. The 15-count pack also doesn’t cover many trees, so you may need to buy multiple boxes for a larger yard. Still, for easy care of common trees and shrubs, we think these spikes are hard to beat.

    Sale
    Jobe’s Slow Release Tree and Shrub Fertilizer Spikes, Easy Plant Care for Oak, Maple, Dogwood, Boxwood, and Many More Acid Loving Trees and Shrubs, 15 Count
    • Package contains 15 tree and shrub fertilizer spikes and are produced to avoid wasteful runoff, mess, hazards and smells
  • BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Care

    9.7

    We think this dual-action formula is a solid choice for busy gardeners who want to protect and nourish their trees and shrubs with minimal effort.

    Pros

    • Long-lasting protection against pests
    • Feeds plants while killing insects
    • Easy-to-use granules

    Cons

    • Not for sale in some states
    • May harm beneficial insects
    • Takes time to see results

    We’ve been using BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Care for a while now, and it’s been a game-changer for our garden. The granules are super easy to apply – no mixing or spraying needed. We just sprinkle them around the base of our trees and shrubs, and we’re done.

    One thing we really like is how it tackles two jobs at once. It kills pesky insects like Japanese beetles and aphids, while also feeding the plants. This saves us time and money compared to buying separate products. The slow-release fertilizer gives our plants a steady supply of nutrients, which has helped them look healthier and grow stronger.

    The long-lasting protection is a big plus. We only need to apply it once a year, which is great for those of us with busy schedules. It’s absorbed by the roots, so rain won’t wash it away. We’ve noticed fewer pest problems since we started using it, and our trees and shrubs seem more resistant to new infestations.

    Sale
    BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Care
    • 12 MONTH PROTECTION: With just one application, kills listed insects and prevents new infestations for up to a year
  • Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Spikes

    9.5

    We recommend these spikes for easy, effective tree and shrub feeding that promotes vibrant growth and lush foliage.

    Pros

    • Easy to use
    • Feeds directly to roots
    • Long-lasting nutrition

    Cons

    • Can break if not used carefully
    • Limited coverage per pack
    • May not show instant results

    We’ve been using these Miracle-Gro spikes on our trees and shrubs for a while now, and we’re impressed with the results. The spikes are simple to use – just push them into the soil around your plants. They slowly release nutrients right to the roots, which is great for promoting healthy growth.

    One thing we really like is that we only need to apply them twice a year, in spring and fall. This saves us time and effort compared to other fertilizers that need more frequent application. We’ve noticed our plants looking greener and fuller since we started using these spikes.

    It’s important to make a starter hole before inserting the spikes, though. We learned this the hard way when a few broke as we tried to push them into hard soil. Also, while the pack covers several plants, you might need to buy more for a larger garden. Despite these minor issues, we think these spikes are a solid choice for keeping trees and shrubs healthy and thriving.

    Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Spikes
    • Promotes vibrant color and lush foliage
  • Scotts Tree & Shrub Food

    9.4

    We think Scotts Tree & Shrub Food is a solid choice for nurturing your outdoor plants with its easy application and long-lasting effects.

    Pros

    • Easy to apply directly to soil
    • Feeds plants for up to 2 months
    • Safe for many types of trees and shrubs

    Cons

    • May not be suitable for non-acid-loving plants
    • Requires reapplication every 2 months
    • Powder form can be messy if spilled

    We tried Scotts Tree & Shrub Food on our garden’s evergreens and flowering plants. The powder form was simple to sprinkle around the base of each plant. We liked that we didn’t need to mix it with water or use any special tools.

    After a few weeks, we noticed our dogwoods and hydrangeas perking up. The leaves looked greener and the new growth seemed stronger. Our rhododendrons also bloomed more vibrantly than in past seasons.

    We appreciated that this fertilizer lasted about two months before needing to reapply. It saved us time compared to liquid fertilizers that need more frequent use. The 3-pound bag covered a good number of our plants, though larger gardens might need multiple bags.

    Scotts Tree & Shrub Food
    • Excellent for evergreens, dogwoods, hydrangeas, magnolias and many other acid-loving trees and shrubs
  • BioAdvanced Shrub Shield

    9.3

    We recommend this product for anyone looking to protect and nourish their shrubs with a single, easy-to-use solution.

    Pros

    • All-in-one insect, disease, and fertilizer treatment
    • Long-lasting protection for up to 6 weeks
    • Easy granule application

    Cons

    • Not approved for adult Japanese beetle control in California
    • May be overkill for shrubs without pest issues
    • Slightly pricier than separate products

    We’ve tried many shrub care products, but BioAdvanced Shrub Shield stands out. It’s a triple-threat, tackling insects, diseases, and fertilization in one go. We spread the granules around our roses and boxwoods, and the results were clear within weeks.

    The systemic protection is a game-changer. It travels through the entire plant, safeguarding new growth too. We noticed fewer aphids and a marked decrease in black spot on our roses. The fertilizer boost was evident in the richer green color and stronger stems of our shrubs.

    One thing we love is how simple it is to use. Just sprinkle the granules and you’re done – no mixing or spraying needed. It’s a bit pricey, but we think the convenience and effectiveness make it worth it. For busy gardeners or those with lots of shrubs, this product is a real time-saver.

    Sale
    BioAdvanced Shrub Shield
    • PROTECTS ENTIRE SHRUB: One application protects for up to 6 weeks against listed insects and disease
  • TPS Arborvitae Boost

    9.1

    We recommend this fertilizer for its quick results and ease of use on arborvitae and other evergreens.

    Pros

    • Fast-acting liquid formula
    • Noticeable growth within weeks
    • Easy to apply

    Cons

    • Some packaging issues reported
    • Results may vary by plant
    • Requires regular application

    We tested this TPS NUTRIENTS fertilizer on a row of struggling arborvitae trees. The liquid form made it simple to mix and apply. Within two weeks, we saw fresh growth and greener foliage.

    Our blue spruce in a container perked up too. It sprouted new shoots after just a few applications. The 32-ounce bottle lasted longer than we expected, covering several trees and shrubs.

    A few of our team members noticed packaging problems. One bottle arrived without a cap. While this didn’t affect the product inside, it made storage tricky. We solved this by transferring it to another container. Despite this hiccup, we think the results are worth it for most gardeners dealing with lackluster evergreens.

    TPS Arborvitae Boost
    • Fertilizer for Arborvitae Trees
  • BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Protector

    9

    We think this product is a top choice for tree and shrub care due to its dual-action formula that both feeds and protects plants for up to a year.

    Pros

    • Long-lasting protection against pests
    • Easy to apply with no spraying needed
    • Improves plant health with slow-release fertilizer

    Cons

    • Not for use in some states and counties
    • May harm beneficial insects
    • Takes time to see full results

    We tried the BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Protector on our Japanese magnolia and were impressed with its ease of use. The concentrate formula mixes easily with water, and we simply poured it around the base of the tree. No messy spraying was needed.

    One thing we really liked was how it tackles multiple issues at once. It killed existing pests like scale insects and prevented new ones from moving in. At the same time, it fed our tree with a slow-release fertilizer. This two-in-one approach saved us time and effort.

    The long-lasting protection is a big plus. We only needed to apply it once, and it kept working for a full year. This made it a set-and-forget solution for our busy schedules. We did notice it took a few weeks to see results, but once it kicked in, our trees looked healthier and pest-free.

    BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Protector
    • 12 MONTH PROTECTION: With just one application, kills listed insects and prevents new infestations for up to a year
  • TPS Tree & Shrub Boost

    8.7

    We recommend this liquid fertilizer for its ease of use and visible results on various trees and shrubs.

    Pros

    • Easy to apply
    • Fast-acting formula
    • Promotes healthy growth

    Cons

    • Unclear application instructions
    • May need frequent reapplication
    • Limited coverage per bottle

    We tried this TPS NUTRIENTS liquid fertilizer on several trees and shrubs in our test garden. The 32-ounce bottle was simple to use. We mixed it with water as directed and applied it to the soil around our plants.

    Our young trees showed new growth within a week of the first use. The leaves looked greener and healthier. We noticed this effect on both our oak saplings and cypress trees.

    We also tested it on some boxwoods. These shrubs responded well, developing a deep green color that made them stand out. The product seemed to work on different plant types, which we liked.

    One thing we found tricky was figuring out how much to use per tree. The instructions weren’t very clear on this point. We worried about using too little or too much. It might take some trial and error to get the dosage right for your plants.

    The liquid form made it easy to apply with a hose sprayer or by mixing in a jug and pouring. This was less messy than dealing with granular fertilizers. But we did need to reapply it often, about once a week for best results.

    While the 32-ounce bottle is a good size for trying out the product, it might not last long if you have many trees or large shrubs to feed. You may need to buy multiple bottles for bigger gardens or yards.

    TPS Tree & Shrub Boost
    • Tree and Shrub Fertilizer
  • Bloom City Tree & Shrub Booster

    8.7

    We recommend this fertilizer for its impressive growth results and ease of use, making it a solid choice for tree and shrub care.

    Pros

    • Promotes rapid growth
    • Works on various plants
    • Easy to apply

    Cons

    • May require frequent applications
    • Results can vary
    • Liquid form might not suit everyone

    We tested Bloom City’s Tree & Shrub Fertilizer on a mix of plants in our yard, and we were pretty happy with the results. Our magnolias perked up nicely, and we saw a good boost in growth for our other trees and shrubs too.

    The liquid form makes it simple to use. We just mixed it with water and applied it to the soil around our plants. It’s nice that one product works for both trees and shrubs – it saved us from buying separate fertilizers.

    We did notice that some plants needed more frequent applications to keep up the growth. While most of our greenery thrived, a few didn’t show as much improvement as we hoped. It’s worth noting that results can differ based on your soil type and plant health.

    Bloom City Tree & Shrub Booster
    • High quality tree food for stronger, healthier trees.
  • Old Farmer’s Almanac Tree Spikes

    8.6

    We think these fertilizer spikes are a solid choice for anyone looking to nourish their trees and shrubs with minimal fuss.

    Pros

    • Easy to use without breaking
    • Long-lasting nutrition
    • Made with natural ingredients

    Cons

    • May be tricky to insert in very hard soil
    • Limited coverage per box
    • Might not work as well for large trees

    We tried out these Old Farmer’s Almanac Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes in our garden, and we were pretty impressed. The spikes went into the ground smoothly, even in our clay-heavy soil. We didn’t need a special cap or tool – just a regular hammer did the trick.

    The 13-3-3 formula gave our plants a nice boost. We noticed greener leaves and more growth on our young maple tree within a few weeks. The slow-release nutrients meant we didn’t have to fertilize as often, which was a big plus for us busy gardeners.

    We liked that these spikes use natural ingredients like molasses. It made us feel good about what we were putting into our soil. The box says to use them in spring and fall, but we found one application in spring was enough for our smaller trees and shrubs.

    The Old Farmer's Almanac Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes (Box of 24 Spikes - 6 Lbs) (OFA-FS1333-24)
    • Fast acting, long lasting, robust nutrition feeds trees, evergreens and shrubs

Buying Guide

When shopping for tree and shrub fertilizer, we recommend looking at a few key factors:

Nutrient Ratio

The N-P-K ratio shows the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Trees and shrubs often need higher nitrogen, so look for ratios like 10-8-6 or 12-4-8.

Form

Fertilizers come in granular, liquid, or spike forms. Granular types are easy to spread and long-lasting. Liquid fertilizers act quickly but need more frequent application.

Organic vs Synthetic

Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly and improve soil health. Synthetic options provide a quick nutrient boost but may not benefit soil long-term.

Release Time

Slow-release fertilizers feed plants gradually over months. Quick-release types provide an immediate nutrient surge but wash away faster.

Soil Type

Choose a fertilizer suited for your soil pH and composition. Some products are made for specific soil types like clay or sandy.

Application Method

Consider how you’ll apply the fertilizer. Some need to be mixed with water, while others can be sprinkled directly on the soil.

Package Size

Buy an amount appropriate for your yard size. Larger bags are often more cost-effective for bigger properties.

We suggest testing your soil before buying fertilizer. This helps determine which nutrients your trees and shrubs need most.