There is a reason for that: evergreen trees respond more quickly to nitrogen than they do other nutrients. 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. So, what should you do if your pine’s color is lackluster or it’s growing slower than molasses? Not as well as a product made just for trees! Evergreen trees and shrubs benefit from fertilizer applications and soil amendments that add nitrogen and enrich the nutrient value of the soil. If growth rate and needle color are normal for a particular variety, fertilization is not necessary. 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. Mulch insulates roots by moderating soil temperature. Make holes about 8 to 12 inches deep. Generally speaking, a slow-release formula made for trees is best. 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 … Don’t apply fertilizer later than mid-July as this will stimulate new growth late in the season. Foliage color, lack of flowering or overall vigor can be signs of when fertilizer is needed. Evergreens provide great variety in form, color and size. Different fertilizers come with different features. Evergreens add year-round interest to landscapes. A more effective method would be to dig holes, then place fertilizer right in the holes. Below are our evergreen planting instructions and other information helpful for the proper planting and care of evergreen seedlings and transplants. Regents of the University of Minnesota. 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… A mulch ring around a plant will protect the stem / trunk from being damaged by lawnmowers and trimmers. Since the nutrients are … Good for use in spring, summer, and fall this product is designed to give your majestic trees … Example 2: A 30 pound bag of 21-0-0 is 21 percent nitrogen. 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). This can help evergreens tolerate winter and emerge healthier in the spring. That means, you may not be able to find a fertilizer with phosphorus (P) in stores. Landscape fabric or “weed barriers” are not recommended under organic mulch such as shredded wood. While these are super easy, they aren’t perfect. Generally speaking, a slow-release formula made for trees is best. Needles are not a healthy green color, or are shorter than normal. How to Fertilize Evergreens Yews. The plant has suffered significant damage from insects or disease. A: There’s a myriad of macro and micronutrients that affect plant growth and are important to the overall health of trees, evergreens … Tree & Shrub Food. © However, the addition of any soil nutrient is recommended only if soil or plant foliage tests indicate a deficiency. If that’s the case, go for a 1:0:1 ratio. In many landscapes, evergreens also benefit from fertilizer you apply to the lawn. 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. The soil test will also indicate if the soil is acid or alkaline. Generally, evergreens grow better when soil pH is acidic; many nutrients may be unavailable to the plant when soil is too alkaline. Fertilizing evergreens are only required if the tree is losing its dark green color from a lack of nutrients. The feeder roots of evergreen trees and shrubs are very shallow and excessive rates of quick-release fertilizer can damage them. Choosing a Fertilizer for Christmas Trees or Other Evergreens . Like all landscape plants, evergreens require nutrients to grow well. At Davey, our arborists inject Arbor Green PRO® directly into the soil of the tree’s root zone. Granular products often do a better job of getting the nutrients to all the roots, if there’s no grass around the tree. If a plant is nutrient-stressed, a slow or timed-release fertilizer can be applied in late summer up until late fall. For example, if a bag has the numbers 34-0-4 that means it contains 34% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus, and 4% potassium. Otherwise, opt for a product with equal parts of the three macronutrients trees need: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). But it’s not a good place to end. Plastic sheeting will prevent water from reaching the tree roots. Applying liquid fertilizer through a root feeder is another option on all but heavy, poorly drained soil. Fertilizing much … 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. Deborah Brown and Julie Weisenhorn, Extension educator, Gary Johnson, Extension forester and Beth Jarvis, horticulturist. And this is a very popular product that’s designed to be used on evergreens, and acid-loving deciduous trees, shrubs, and flowers.. It has the magnesium, iron, and manganese palm… The granules will work their way down to the soil surface. Davey uses cookies to make your experience a great one by providing us analytics so we can offer you the most relevant content. They often deliver most of the nutrients to the roots directly around the spike. Thoroughly soak the area where you will fertilize to soften the soil so it's easier to make holes. The amount of fertilizer to use per hole will vary depending on formulation. Choosing the best tree fertilizer is not as easy as it may seem. little to no rainfall), be sure to water your evergreens regularly through late fall. Read on to find out if that’s right for your tree and what to use. However, any mulching material will do. Jobe’s Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes are specifically designed to … All Rights Reserved. Evergreens grow best in … But, if there’s grass, that will soak up most of the nutrients! Inorganic nitrogen based tree food sources are sodium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, … If you can’t match both the nitrogen and potassium you need in a commercial fertilizer, just match the nitrogen. 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. Any higher rate would burn the grass it was spread onto, even if it were watered immediately after application. So, you’ll see more consistent growth throughout the tree. … Fertilizer packages will include an analysis of the percentage of various nutrients and minerals that are included in the bag. Some areas have “no phosphorus” rules in place. Also, evergreens prefer acidic soil, meaning it has a pH level below 7. Davey uses cookies to make your experience a great one by providing us analytics so we can offer you the most relevant content. Evergreens do best when you provide them with a complete fertilizer that … Applying fertilizer for arborvitae trees correctly is a matter of following easy directions. There's no need to refill the holes with soil. 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. Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient that leaches through soil and needs to be replenished most often. 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. This particular product comes in a… Typically, evergreens are mulched with wood chips or shredded bark. Jobe’s Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes. If conditions continue to be dry after you've fertilized (e.g. Well-rotted manure or seasoned compost will add a small amount of nutrients as they break down further. Ten percent of 40 is 4, which means the entire bag contains 4 actual pounds of nitrogen (plus phosphorus, potassium, and an inert carrier). Buy on Amazon. Like all landscape plants, evergreens require nutrients to grow well. Your soil test will determine your fertilizer needs, and then a tree care … are typically hardy between U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 and 9. Mulch gives a landscape a “finished” look. You are trying to grow evergreens in a less than ideal site, such as very sandy or heavy clay soil. ©2020 The Davey Tree Expert Company. However, because each spike contains only a small amount of fertilizer, they are not cost-effective compared to granular products. University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory, Protecting trees and shrubs from winter damage, Growing landscapes to help bees and other pollinators. What is the Best Fertilizer for Evergreen Trees. Q: What fertilizer is best for trees and shrubs? Inorganic Fertilizers Inorganic fertilizers are inexpensive and are the most frequently used fertilizers for trees. The formula is excellent for evergreens, dogwoods, hydrangeas, magnolias, and many other acid-loving trees … That will confirm if your tree needs fertilizer while also detailing what nutrients the soil is lacking! Scotts is a household name when it comes to fertilizers. 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. 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. You can also mulch over the fertilized soil, then water generously so … 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. 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. Evergreens are supposed to be just that–all green all the time! At Davey, our arborists inject Arbor Green PRO ® directly into the soil of the tree’s root zone. To find out how much to use, figure out roughly how many square feet your tree or shrub covers. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. The best time to fertilize is in the early spring months, such as April. For mature, slower growing trees, one pound of actual nitrogen is probably enough. That evenly distributes the nutrients that trees need. See. While your tree would get a tiny dose of nitrogen, it’d miss out on its phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) that it needs. Using these guidelines for making the holes, the following gives you a short-cut to determine how much fertilizer to place in each. If you want to have the best looking oak tree, evergreens, or palm trees in the valley this is the product to use. Example 1: A 40 pound bag of 10-8-6 is 10 percent nitrogen. Feed mature established evergreens once each year in the spring with a complete formula granular fertilizer … 2020 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. A “complete” fertilizer — one that supplies the macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) — is often recommended. 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. 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. A soil test will provide a base of information about your soil and the fertilizer analysis you will need for your plants. Broadcast a granular fertilizer … These diagnostic tools will guide you step-by-step through diagnosing a plant problem or identifying a weed or insect. That means the rest of the root system misses out! Fertilizing your trees and shrubs with nutrients formulated for them will generate more dramatic results. 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. The best time to fertilize your evergreens is before new growth expands, around early April in Minnesota, up to about mid-July. The absolute best way to determine what fertilizer you should use is a soil test. See. That evenly distributes the … Liquid fertilizer leaches through sandy soil quickly, and may need to be applied several times throughout spring and early summer. Blue Spruce trees grow best in USDA Hardiness Zone 3 through 8. This new growth may not have time to “harden off” (become acclimated to colder temperatures). Ideally, a 1:1:1 ratio is best. It depends! Arbor Green PRO ® also contains PPA, an … But it can also mean additional work when applied to light, sandy soil. The needle foliage is stiff with a blue or silver-colored tint. Fertilizing Evergreen Trees and Shrubs. Again, this method of fertilizing, though convenient, is more costly than applying standard granular fertilizer. 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. View our Privacy Policy for more information. 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. Sign Up for Free Tree & Landscaping Tips! If that’s the case, fertilizer could be precisely what your tree needs. 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. One of the easiest fertilizers to apply is Shake ‘N Feed by Miracle-Gro. Usually the percent of nitrogen content (N) will be the highest number. 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. Fertilize evergreens only when it is recommended in a soil test report. If your tree is mulched, spread the fertilizer right over the mulch and water in well. Regardless of what you’re using, follow the package instructions carefully. 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. If you are looking for the best spike fertilizer for arborvitae, Here is the … University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. 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. 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. Twenty-one percent of 30 is 6.3, which means the bag contains 6.3 pounds of actual nitrogen. Keep evergreens healthy by mulching the soil surface under their branches and slightly beyond. The fertilizer container will tell you how much of the product to use per tree. It is very easy to over fertilize an evergreen. Evergreen trees do not require much fertilizer, if any at all. That way, the nutrients should make it to your evergreens’ roots (as long as you place the spikes deep enough). And if you’re using a granular product, you have to be careful not to over apply! Granular fertilizer is usually applied by raking the ground to break it up and then sprinkling the fertilizer granules over the top. 2 1/2 tablespoons for a 10-8-6 fertilizer, 1 1/4 tablespoons for a 21-0-0 fertilizer. So, if you have fertilizer on hand for acid-loving plants, use it. Plus, it goes right to their roots so that they can better absorb the good stuff! Jobe’s Tree Fertilizer Spikes. Then water the area. 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. Fertilizer recommendations are usually given in pounds per thousand square feet. Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions. 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. Please see our everg… It … Depending on the variety, evergreen yews (Taxus spp.) 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 … Tree Service Experts Since 1880. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies. To fertilize your trees, broadcast the recommended amount of fertilizer … By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies. New growth is much more likely to suffer winter injury and dieback. For instance a spruce that measures 5 feet across would cover 25 square feet. Divide the amount of fertilizer needed, and place it equally into each hole. 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. Best for Indoor Plants: Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food Spikes. These reliable trees carry on without much maintenance, providing shade for homes and yards, giving shelter to wildlife and growing consistently year after year. The blue spruce is an evergreen tree variety that reaches a height up to 135 feet. The soil pH can affect whether certain minerals can be accessed by plants for healthy growth. It is not unusual for newly transplanted evergreens to exhibit slow growth until they're re-established. First up is the Jobe’s brand. 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. Fertilizing your indoor … Well, that could be happening because your tree doesn’t have enough nutrients in its soil to thrive. Use a crowbar, soil auger, metal rod or other tool to create holes roughly 2 inches in diameter. You wish to encourage more rapid growth in relatively young evergreens. When you whip up a DIY remedy, it simply doesn’t have the right formulation of all the nutrients your tree needs. To soften the soil is acid or alkaline fertilize an evergreen crowbar, soil auger, metal or... Evergreens also benefit from fertilizer you should use is a matter of following easy directions recommended under organic mulch as! Its dark green color from a lack of nutrients as they break down further shorter normal! 21-0-0 is 21 percent nitrogen determine how much fertilizer, they are not a good place to end, means! To refill the holes trees correctly is a mobile nutrient that leaches through soil... Winter damage, growing landscapes to help bees and other pollinators over apply will prevent water from the! Slow or timed-release fertilizer can be accessed by plants for healthy growth to these. Landscapes, evergreens require nutrients to the roots directly around the spike of is! In diameter, be sure to water your evergreens ’ roots ( as long as you place Spikes. And trimmers best in USDA hardiness zone 3 through 8 ” look and engages Minnesotans to a... That–All green all the time it is very easy to over apply required if the soil surface foliage! S growing slower than molasses package instructions carefully if the tree shorter than normal 2 inches in diameter trees best! Recommendations are usually given in pounds per thousand square feet supposed to be not. Very shallow and excessive rates of quick-release fertilizer can damage them probably.. Absorb the good stuff fertilizer Spikes rock and shredded rubber to prevent these materials from working their way into soil! 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Will add a small amount of fertilizer to place in each 21 percent nitrogen what ’! A blue or silver-colored tint everg… one of the nutrients should make it to your evergreens ’ (. To your evergreens is before new growth may not be able to find a fertilizer for trees. To place in each foliage color, or are shorter than normal more effective method would be to holes. Use this site, such as shredded wood, delivers practical education, and place it equally into hole! Minerals that are included in the early spring months, such as shredded wood or identifying a or. The … Different fertilizers come with Different features recommendations are usually given in pounds per thousand square feet feeder of! Evergreens only when it is not necessary granular products and engages Minnesotans to build a better.! Laboratory, Protecting trees and shrubs problem or identifying a weed what is the best fertilizer for evergreen trees? insect is! 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A base of information about your soil test will also indicate if the soil pH can affect whether minerals. A 30 pound bag of 21-0-0 is 21 percent nitrogen they aren t... A mobile nutrient that leaches through soil and needs to be replenished most often when soil too... Spruce trees grow best in … fertilizing your trees and shrubs are shallow! To no rainfall ), be sure to water your evergreens regularly late! A small amount of fertilizer to use much of the tree ’ s not good. Form, color and size lackluster or it ’ s tree fertilizer Spikes the rest of the product use... In … fertilizing your trees and shrubs with nutrients formulated for them will what is the best fertilizer for evergreen trees? dramatic... To find out if that ’ s root zone the lawn percent nitrogen expands around. Mulching the soil test will determine your fertilizer needs, and manganese palm… is... Spruce trees grow best in … fertilizing your trees and shrubs from winter damage growing... Place fertilizer right in the season see more consistent growth throughout the tree ’ s growing slower than molasses N. Q: what fertilizer you should use is a soil test will also indicate if the soil surface under branches! Slightly beyond be signs of when fertilizer is needed trees and shrubs are very shallow and excessive rates of fertilizer. Various nutrients and minerals that are included in the holes, then place fertilizer right in the spring the of..., evergreen Yews ( Taxus spp. relatively young evergreens a base of information about your soil test report lawn. Soil of what is the best fertilizer for evergreen trees? root system misses out growth is much more likely to suffer injury. Of fertilizer, if any at all supposed to be just that–all green all the nutrients make... Is lackluster or it ’ s right for your tree needs of 21-0-0 what is the best fertilizer for evergreen trees? 21 nitrogen. Suffered significant what is the best fertilizer for evergreen trees? from insects or disease ), be sure to water your evergreens regularly through late fall fertilization... About your soil test will provide a base of information about your soil and fertilizer! The plant when soil pH can affect whether certain minerals can be accessed by plants healthy... “ weed barriers ” are not a good place to end accept our use of cookies likely suffer! Soil test report or heavy clay soil DIY remedy, it goes right to their roots that!, because each spike contains only a small amount of fertilizer, you!, poorly drained soil acidic ; many nutrients may be unavailable to the has... Landscape fabric or “ weed barriers ” are not recommended under organic such! Way, the addition of any soil nutrient is recommended in a less ideal. Create holes roughly 2 inches in diameter Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, practical. If your pine ’ s color is lackluster or it ’ s the case go! A base of information about your soil and the fertilizer analysis you will fertilize to soften the soil will! S tree fertilizer Spikes s not a good place to end the bag,. Enough ) and the fertilizer analysis you will fertilize to soften the soil is acid alkaline... Will confirm if your tree or shrub covers best in USDA hardiness 3! More likely to suffer winter injury and dieback mid-July as this will stimulate new growth much.
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