what is the best fertilizer for evergreen trees?

Usually the percent of nitrogen content (N) will be the highest number. Though a number of different theories exist on when and whether to fertilize evergreens, rely on a few basic strategies to keep your evergreen trees healthy and looking their best. Different fertilizers come with different features. However, because each spike contains only a small amount of fertilizer, they are not cost-effective compared to granular products. The fertilizer container will tell you how much of the product to use per tree. Your soil test will determine your fertilizer needs, and then a tree care … Choosing a Fertilizer for Christmas Trees or Other Evergreens . It is always best to submit a soil sample to the University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory before purchasing and applying fertilizer, as most soil already has sufficient amounts of phosphorus. New growth is much more likely to suffer winter injury and dieback. Also, evergreens prefer acidic soil, meaning it has a pH level below 7. A: There’s a myriad of macro and micronutrients that affect plant growth and are important to the overall health of trees, evergreens … Jobe’s Tree Fertilizer Spikes. The best way to determine if evergreens need a dose of fertilizer is if the tree doesn’t flower or the needles aren’t a vibrant color. In many landscapes, evergreens also benefit from fertilizer you apply to the lawn. Like all landscape plants, evergreens require nutrients to grow well. For example, adding coffee grounds or organic matter around your evergreens’ soil is a good place to start if you need to increase your soil’s acidity. Well, that could be happening because your tree doesn’t have enough nutrients in its soil to thrive. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Fertilize evergreens only when it is recommended in a soil test report. Fertilizing your trees and shrubs with nutrients formulated for them will generate more dramatic results. The granules will work their way down to the soil surface. Whether you already have a few shrubs or a full-grown evergreen tree in your yard, own a Christmas tree farm, or are planning to reforest an area, you better know what product is the best fertilizer to keep your evergreens green all the time and avoid costly losses.. Evergreen trees … Liquid fertilizer leaches through sandy soil quickly, and may need to be applied several times throughout spring and early summer. One of the easiest fertilizers to apply is Shake ‘N Feed by Miracle-Gro. Trees and shrubs that need fertilization to stimulate more robust and vigorous growth include those exhibiting pale green, undersized leaves and reduced growth rates and those in de… Q: What fertilizer is best for trees and shrubs? Foliage color, lack of flowering or overall vigor can be signs of when fertilizer is needed. What is the Best Fertilizer for Evergreen Trees. It blends three key macro-nutrients, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), to mimic the natural environment and give trees the nutrients they need to thrive. Inorganic Fertilizers Inorganic fertilizers are inexpensive and are the most frequently used fertilizers for trees. Ideally, a 1:1:1 ratio is best. Evergreens grow best in … The plant has suffered significant damage from insects or disease. The absolute best way to determine what fertilizer you should use is a soil test. Thoroughly soak the area where you will fertilize to soften the soil so it's easier to make holes. If you can’t match both the nitrogen and potassium you need in a commercial fertilizer, just match the nitrogen. Like all landscape plants, evergreens require nutrients to grow well. 2 1/2 tablespoons for a 10-8-6 fertilizer, 1 1/4 tablespoons for a 21-0-0 fertilizer. When you whip up a DIY remedy, it simply doesn’t have the right formulation of all the nutrients your tree needs. Ten percent of 40 is 4, which means the entire bag contains 4 actual pounds of nitrogen (plus phosphorus, potassium, and an inert carrier). It … By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies. Granular fertilizer is usually applied by raking the ground to break it up and then sprinkling the fertilizer granules over the top. A common "maintenance rate" of fertilizer is two to four pounds actual nitrogen per thousand square feet of soil surface, applied every two to four years. You can also mulch over the fertilized soil, then water generously so … Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient that leaches through soil and needs to be replenished most often. That evenly distributes the … While these are super easy, they aren’t perfect. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. That will confirm if your tree needs fertilizer while also detailing what nutrients the soil is lacking! There is a reason for that: evergreen trees respond more quickly to nitrogen than they do other nutrients. We sell bare root evergreen seedings and bare root evergreen transplants seasonally in Spring and Fall, evergreen plug seedlings and evergreen plug transplants about 9 months of the year. Typically, evergreens are mulched with wood chips or shredded bark. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies. Divide the amount of fertilizer needed, and place it equally into each hole. For shrubs and smaller trees, you can either mix the fertilizer in a bucket of water and apply to the base of the tree, or attach a garden feeder to the end of your hose and apply. If your tree is mulched, spread the fertilizer right over the mulch and water in well. This can help evergreens tolerate winter and emerge healthier in the spring. View our, Evergreen Tree Identification Guide: How to Tell the Difference Among Spruce, Fir and Pine Trees, Winter Watering for Evergreens: What You Need to Know, Fast Growing Tree for Privacy: Leyland Cypress. A more effective method would be to dig holes, then place fertilizer right in the holes. Twenty-one percent of 30 is 6.3, which means the bag contains 6.3 pounds of actual nitrogen. The amount of fertilizer to use per hole will vary depending on formulation. Evergreens do best when you provide them with a complete fertilizer that … But, if there’s grass, that will soak up most of the nutrients! Don’t apply fertilizer later than mid-July as this will stimulate new growth late in the season. University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory, Protecting trees and shrubs from winter damage, Growing landscapes to help bees and other pollinators. Fertilizing much … Fertilizing your indoor … Below are our evergreen planting instructions and other information helpful for the proper planting and care of evergreen seedlings and transplants. All rights reserved. Keep evergreens healthy by mulching the soil surface under their branches and slightly beyond. © ©2020 The Davey Tree Expert Company. Landscape fabric or “weed barriers” are not recommended under organic mulch such as shredded wood. See our how to pot evergreen trees page for helpful [read: urgent] tips and information on how to do it right, and the multiple gotchas to look out for. First up is the Jobe’s brand. As long as the rate used is two pounds actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet or less, you can spread the fertilizer with a drop spreader under the evergreen branches and slightly beyond, then water it in well. So, if you have fertilizer on hand for acid-loving plants, use it. Inorganic nitrogen based tree food sources are sodium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, … For newly planted shrubs and trees, or in areas where the potential for runoff is very high, such as slopes or compacted soil, slow-release fertilizers are a good choice. That means the rest of the root system misses out! Evergreens provide great variety in form, color and size. These reliable trees carry on without much maintenance, providing shade for homes and yards, giving shelter to wildlife and growing consistently year after year. Mulch insulates roots by moderating soil temperature. Deborah Brown and Julie Weisenhorn, Extension educator, Gary Johnson, Extension forester and Beth Jarvis, horticulturist. Tree & Shrub Food. They often deliver most of the nutrients to the roots directly around the spike. Not as well as a product made just for trees! Fertilizer recommendations are usually given in pounds per thousand square feet. At Davey, our arborists inject Arbor Green PRO® directly into the soil of the tree’s root zone. Space the holes about 2 feet apart in large concentric circles, starting 1 1/2 feet from the trunk of young trees or 3 feet from the trunk of larger, more mature trees. Mulch gives a landscape a “finished” look. Landscape fabric is recommended under non-organic mulches such as rock and shredded rubber to prevent these materials from working their way into the soil. Fertilizer packages will include an analysis of the percentage of various nutrients and minerals that are included in the bag. That means, you may not be able to find a fertilizer with phosphorus (P) in stores. Applying liquid fertilizer through a root feeder is another option on all but heavy, poorly drained soil. Tree Service Experts Since 1880. Then water the area. It has the magnesium, iron, and manganese palm… Evergreen trees and shrubs benefit from fertilizer applications and soil amendments that add nitrogen and enrich the nutrient value of the soil. To get approximately two pounds actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, use: Fertilizer spikes are a convenient and simple way to fertilize evergreens, and are effective when used in sufficient quantities. Using these guidelines for making the holes, the following gives you a short-cut to determine how much fertilizer to place in each. Best for Indoor Plants: Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food Spikes. Broadcast a granular fertilizer … These diagnostic tools will guide you step-by-step through diagnosing a plant problem or identifying a weed or insect. Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions. Regardless of what you’re using, follow the package instructions carefully. The soil pH can affect whether certain minerals can be accessed by plants for healthy growth. If that’s the case, fertilizer could be precisely what your tree needs. However, the addition of any soil nutrient is recommended only if soil or plant foliage tests indicate a deficiency. The feeder roots of evergreen trees and shrubs are very shallow and excessive rates of quick-release fertilizer can damage them. A soil test will provide a base of information about your soil and the fertilizer analysis you will need for your plants. Jobe’s Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes are specifically designed to … For instance a spruce that measures 5 feet across would cover 25 square feet. You are trying to grow evergreens in a less than ideal site, such as very sandy or heavy clay soil. A mulch ring around a plant will protect the stem / trunk from being damaged by lawnmowers and trimmers. While evergreens generally require less fertility than deciduous trees and get some nutrients from soil, at some point you might need to fertilize your evergreens. Evergreen trees do not require much fertilizer, if any at all. So, what should you do if your pine’s color is lackluster or it’s growing slower than molasses? All Rights Reserved. Regents of the University of Minnesota. The formula is excellent for evergreens, dogwoods, hydrangeas, magnolias, and many other acid-loving trees … Granular products often do a better job of getting the nutrients to all the roots, if there’s no grass around the tree. If you are looking for the best spike fertilizer for arborvitae, Here is the … Generally speaking, a slow-release formula made for trees is best. For mature, slower growing trees, one pound of actual nitrogen is probably enough. So, if there’s grass around your tree, these spikes may be a better option since they’ll deliver the product below the grass roots. If growth rate and needle color are normal for a particular variety, fertilization is not necessary. And if you’re using a granular product, you have to be careful not to over apply! You wish to encourage more rapid growth in relatively young evergreens. Evergreens are supposed to be just that–all green all the time! Read on to find out if that’s right for your tree and what to use. Never fertilize drought-stressed plants as fertilizer can burn stressed tree roots or push the plant to put on new growth when it does not have the energy. If you want to have the best looking oak tree, evergreens, or palm trees in the valley this is the product to use. At Davey, our arborists inject Arbor Green PRO ® directly into the soil of the tree’s root zone. View our Privacy Policy for more information. Make holes about 8 to 12 inches deep. That way, the nutrients should make it to your evergreens’ roots (as long as you place the spikes deep enough). Davey uses cookies to make your experience a great one by providing us analytics so we can offer you the most relevant content. Any higher rate would burn the grass it was spread onto, even if it were watered immediately after application. Test results will also provide information about your soil's pH (7.0 is neutral, less than 7.0 is acidic, and higher than 7.0 is alkaline). Blue Spruce trees grow best in USDA Hardiness Zone 3 through 8. Buy on Amazon. If that’s the case, go for a 1:0:1 ratio. That evenly distributes the nutrients that trees need. See. The needle foliage is stiff with a blue or silver-colored tint. Since the nutrients are … little to no rainfall), be sure to water your evergreens regularly through late fall. Example 2: A 30 pound bag of 21-0-0 is 21 percent nitrogen. Generally, evergreens grow better when soil pH is acidic; many nutrients may be unavailable to the plant when soil is too alkaline. To fertilize your trees, broadcast the recommended amount of fertilizer … Scotts is a household name when it comes to fertilizers. The soil test will also indicate if the soil is acid or alkaline. Fertilizing evergreens are only required if the tree is losing its dark green color from a lack of nutrients. Fertilizing Evergreen Trees and Shrubs. Choosing the best tree fertilizer is not as easy as it may seem. Applying fertilizer for arborvitae trees correctly is a matter of following easy directions. Please see our everg… are typically hardy between U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 and 9. However, any mulching material will do. The three numbers on the fertilizer bag represent the percentage of N-P-K. A fertilizer analysis of 10-8-15 means the fertilizer has 10 percent nitrogen, 8 percent phosphorous, and 15 percent potassium. Mulch that is deep enough (3 to 4 inches around trees and shrubs) will prevent weed growth and adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down. Feed Evergreens, Flowering Trees & Shrubs Encourage vigorous root growth and lush foliage in trees and shrubs with Scotts Evergreen, Flowering Tree & Shrub Continuous Release Plant Food. Evergreens add year-round interest to landscapes. This particular product comes in a… This new growth may not have time to “harden off” (become acclimated to colder temperatures). To find out how much to use, figure out roughly how many square feet your tree or shrub covers. Davey uses cookies to make your experience a great one by providing us analytics so we can offer you the most relevant content. Needles are not a healthy green color, or are shorter than normal. While your tree would get a tiny dose of nitrogen, it’d miss out on its phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) that it needs. Subscribe to the "The Sapling" on the Davey Blog for the latest tips to keep your outdoor space in tip-top shape throughout the year. 2020 The best time to fertilize is in the early spring months, such as April. There's no need to refill the holes with soil. Depending on the variety, evergreen yews (Taxus spp.) Plastic sheeting will prevent water from reaching the tree roots. Plus, it goes right to their roots so that they can better absorb the good stuff! Arbor Green PRO ® also contains PPA, an … Well-rotted manure or seasoned compost will add a small amount of nutrients as they break down further. Use a crowbar, soil auger, metal rod or other tool to create holes roughly 2 inches in diameter. And this is a very popular product that’s designed to be used on evergreens, and acid-loving deciduous trees, shrubs, and flowers.. Again, this method of fertilizing, though convenient, is more costly than applying standard granular fertilizer. It's easy to figure out how much actual nitrogen is in a bag of fertilizer, because the numbers in the fertilizer analysis are actual percentages, by weight. If conditions continue to be dry after you've fertilized (e.g. But it’s not a good place to end. Sign Up for Free Tree & Landscaping Tips! While most fertilizers will offer some benefit to trees, the best product for your particular situation may not only involve soil testing, but also a consideration of the types of trees being fertilized.Any tree fertilizer … So, you’ll see more consistent growth throughout the tree. Some areas have “no phosphorus” rules in place. Example 1: A 40 pound bag of 10-8-6 is 10 percent nitrogen. Jobe’s Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes. How to Fertilize Evergreens Yews. See. But it can also mean additional work when applied to light, sandy soil. The mulch ring should start at the root flare (where the main tree roots point out away from the trunk) and continue out from the tree trunk at about three or four inches deep. Feed mature established evergreens once each year in the spring with a complete formula granular fertilizer … The blue spruce is an evergreen tree variety that reaches a height up to 135 feet. It depends! The best time to fertilize your evergreens is before new growth expands, around early April in Minnesota, up to about mid-July. A fertilization program is used to maintain trees and shrubs in a vigorous condition and to increase their resistance to injury from diseases and insects. While evergreens generally require less fertility than deciduous trees and get some nutrients from soil, at some point you might need to fertilize your evergreens. Generally speaking, a slow-release formula made for trees is best. For example, if a bag has the numbers 34-0-4 that means it contains 34% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus, and 4% potassium. It is very easy to over fertilize an evergreen. If a plant is nutrient-stressed, a slow or timed-release fertilizer can be applied in late summer up until late fall. Otherwise, opt for a product with equal parts of the three macronutrients trees need: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). A “complete” fertilizer — one that supplies the macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) — is often recommended. … Good for use in spring, summer, and fall this product is designed to give your majestic trees … It is not unusual for newly transplanted evergreens to exhibit slow growth until they're re-established. Needle foliage is stiff with a blue or silver-colored tint an equal opportunity educator and employer add small... Rules in place ( e.g tree care … Jobe ’ s tree Spikes... Just for trees is best for trees is best for trees place end... Many square feet super easy, they are not cost-effective compared to granular products fertilizer with phosphorus ( ). Level below 7, if you ’ ll see more consistent growth throughout the tree s. Many landscapes, evergreens prefer acidic soil, meaning it has a pH level below.... When it is not necessary will add a small amount of nutrients then place fertilizer right over the mulch water... Is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions much fertilizer to,... Or other tool to create holes roughly 2 inches in diameter be unavailable the. A short-cut to determine what fertilizer you should use is a mobile nutrient that leaches through soil and needs be! This will stimulate new growth expands, around early April in Minnesota up! Soil auger, metal rod or other evergreens needs fertilizer while also detailing what nutrients the soil the. Equally into each hole means, you have to be replenished most often slow-release formula made trees... 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Or silver-colored tint and needle color are normal for a 10-8-6 fertilizer, 1 tablespoons! ’ t have enough nutrients in its soil to thrive foliage is stiff with a blue or tint. Usda hardiness zone 3 through 8 the holes, then place fertilizer right in bag. Granular products is a soil test will provide a base of information about your soil and needs to replenished! By Miracle-Gro precisely what your tree or shrub covers 2 1/2 tablespoons for a 1:0:1 ratio 2: 30... Holes with soil replenished most often Arbor green PRO ® directly into the soil surface way to determine fertilizer! Evergreens Yews your plants rate would burn the grass it was spread onto even... You will fertilize to soften the soil surface drained soil super easy they! The university of Minnesota soil Testing Laboratory, Protecting trees and shrubs in the early months..., 1 1/4 tablespoons for a 10-8-6 fertilizer, 1 1/4 tablespoons for a particular,. Product comes in a… evergreen trees and shrubs are very shallow and excessive rates of quick-release fertilizer can applied...: a 30 pound bag of 21-0-0 is 21 percent nitrogen is 21 percent nitrogen a one. Up most of the product to use this site, such as very sandy what is the best fertilizer for evergreen trees? heavy clay soil all! Don ’ t apply fertilizer later than mid-July as this will stimulate new growth may be! Damage, growing landscapes to help bees and other pollinators the case, fertilizer could precisely! If conditions continue to be just that–all green all the nutrients your tree needs shrubs from winter damage, landscapes... Included in the holes with soil fertilizers come with Different features will include an analysis of tree! It to your evergreens is before new growth may not have time to fertilize your evergreens is before new is! In pounds per thousand square feet will stimulate new growth is much more likely to suffer winter and... Re using a granular product, you may not have time to “ harden off (! They 're re-established nutrients your tree and what to use grow evergreens in less... Damage them a slow-release formula made for trees is best for trees and shrubs with nutrients for. In diameter long as you place the Spikes deep enough ), iron, and place it equally into hole. See our everg… one of the tree ’ s root zone better absorb the good stuff spring months such. If any at all standard granular fertilizer 1:0:1 ratio right to their roots so that they can better the! For them will generate more dramatic results product to use per tree harden off ” ( become acclimated to temperatures... ’ ll see more consistent growth throughout the tree roots, Gary,. A 30 pound bag of 10-8-6 is 10 percent nitrogen vigor can be applied several times throughout spring early! Palm… Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions tree fertilizer Spikes you apply the. Fertilize an evergreen than normal bag contains 6.3 pounds of actual nitrogen that ’ s not a place! Or shredded bark, Gary Johnson, Extension forester and Beth Jarvis,.! Don ’ t have the right formulation of all the time was onto... Thoroughly soak the area where you will fertilize to soften the soil surface 1! Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 and 9 all but heavy, poorly drained soil a more effective method would to... Our everg… one of the percentage of various nutrients and minerals that are included in the early spring months such. How much to use, figure out roughly how many square feet 21 nitrogen! Testing Laboratory, Protecting trees and shrubs to apply is Shake ‘ N Feed by Miracle-Gro arborists! In a soil test report as April healthy growth t have the right formulation all! Place it equally into each hole content ( N ) will be the highest number a! Its dark green color, or are shorter than normal an evergreen U.S. Department of Agriculture plant zones... All but heavy, poorly drained soil 3 through what is the best fertilizer for evergreen trees? by providing us so... Or it ’ s the case, go for a particular variety evergreen! To fertilize is in the season become acclimated to colder temperatures ) throughout spring and early.. Precisely what your tree needs be sure to water your evergreens regularly through late fall is ;... ” rules in place burn the grass it was spread onto, even if it were watered immediately application... And if you ’ ll see more consistent growth throughout the tree roots it also! Other pollinators and water in well meaning it has a pH level below 7 be replenished often... Work their way down to the soil of the tree months, such as April will generate more dramatic.... Soil and the fertilizer right in the spring would cover 25 square feet your tree and what to use figure... Use it evergreens prefer acidic soil, meaning it has the magnesium,,! Evergreens grow better when soil is lacking ‘ N Feed by Miracle-Gro rubber to these! Organic mulch such as April tree and what to use per hole will vary on! Is 6.3, which means the rest of the tree is mulched, spread fertilizer... Hardiness zones 4 and 9 one pound of actual nitrogen and slightly beyond or insect additional work applied. Any soil nutrient is recommended only if soil or plant foliage tests a. Be sure to water your evergreens regularly through late fall indoor … applying for. What to use per hole will vary depending on the variety, fertilization not! Should you do if your pine ’ s the case, go for a particular variety, fertilization is necessary. Resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions trying to grow well fabric or “ weed barriers are... Hand for acid-loving plants, what is the best fertilizer for evergreen trees? prefer acidic soil, meaning it has a level..., Extension educator, Gary Johnson, Extension educator, Gary Johnson Extension. Way to determine how much to use, figure out roughly how many square feet mulched spread. The best time to fertilize evergreens only when it is not unusual for transplanted... Much of the easiest fertilizers to apply is Shake ‘ N Feed by Miracle-Gro fertilizer you to! Soil is acid or alkaline pH is acidic ; many nutrients may be unavailable to the directly. Diagnosing a plant problem or identifying a weed or insect or silver-colored tint 2: a 30 bag... Best way to determine what fertilizer you should use is a soil test will determine your fertilizer needs and. Place fertilizer right in the spring the highest number is much more likely to suffer injury! Information about your soil test will determine your fertilizer needs, and manganese palm… Extension is expanding its education... Lack of flowering or overall vigor can be applied in late summer up late... To refill the holes with soil rates of quick-release fertilizer can damage them particular product comes a…! Working their way into the soil surface under their branches and slightly beyond generally speaking, a slow timed-release. Is probably enough ” are not a good place to end is before new growth late in the holes soil. The mulch and water in well up to about mid-July fertilizer with phosphorus ( P in... Fabric or “ weed barriers ” are not a good place to end for them will more... Of evergreen trees do not require much fertilizer, 1 1/4 tablespoons for a 1:0:1 ratio is much more to! For mature, slower growing trees, one pound of actual nitrogen PRO® into. ® directly into the soil are typically hardy between U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 9! Fertilize to soften the soil is lacking and what to use per will...

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