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10 Best Tree Fertilizers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

10-10-10 Plant Fertilizer Slow Release – 10 10 10 All Purpose Granular Garden Fertilizer for Fruit Trees, Evergreens, Vegetables, Arborvitae, Fig Trees, Shrubs, Pines, Oaks, Flowers (1/2 Quart)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,298
N-P-K Ratio
Application Frequency

Most important from
2003 reviews

N-P-K Ratio
The fertilizer’s slow-release nitrogen promotes steady new growth within just two weeks, perfectly supporting trees through the growing season.
Application Frequency
The granular texture allows for simple sprinkling, making application straightforward and hassle-free.

This 10-10-10 slow-release granular fertilizer offers a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making it a versatile choice for a variety of trees like fruit trees, evergreens, oaks, and shrubs. Its slow-release formula feeds plants steadily for up to eight weeks, reducing how often you need to apply it—usually twice per growing season for gardens and three times annually for trees and shrubs. This can save effort while supporting healthy root development, vibrant leaves, and overall plant resilience.

The fertilizer granules are easy to spread evenly across outdoor soil, which helps ensure good nutrient absorption. It also contains quick-release nitrogen for a fast growth boost alongside the slow feeding effect. One downside is it’s a synthetic product, so if you prefer organic options, this wouldn’t fit that preference. The 10-10-10 ratio is well-rounded but may not be ideal if your trees need targeted nutrients at certain growth stages.

This fertilizer performs well for general tree and garden feeding with minimal fuss, especially if you want a balanced nutrient supply and less frequent application. However, organic gardeners or those needing special soil adjustments might want to look for products with added micronutrients or pH-specific formulations.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,298
N-P-K Ratio
Application Frequency

Most important from
2003 reviews

N-P-K Ratio
The fertilizer’s slow-release nitrogen promotes steady new growth within just two weeks, perfectly supporting trees through the growing season.
Application Frequency
The granular texture allows for simple sprinkling, making application straightforward and hassle-free.
#2

Miracle-Gro Tree and Shrub Plant Food Spikes, For Deciduous, Flowering and Evergreen Trees, Hydrangeas, and Acid-Loving Plants, 12 Spikes

Rating
9.6
Application Frequency

Most important from
21331 reviews

Application Frequency
Application is straightforward—just hammer the stakes around the tree's drip line.

Miracle-Gro Tree and Shrub Plant Food Spikes are designed to enhance the health and appearance of trees and shrubs in your garden. With an easy application method, these spikes deliver essential nutrients directly to the roots, which is a significant advantage for ensuring effective nutrient uptake. They cater to a variety of trees, including deciduous, flowering, and evergreens, making them versatile for different types of landscaping. The simplicity of application—just place them around the tree's drip line in spring and fall—makes it user-friendly, even for gardening novices.

As for the type of fertilizer, these spikes are synthetic, meaning they can provide a quick nutrient boost, but some gardeners prefer organic options for sustainability and soil health. One notable detail is the frequency of application—recommending twice a year is convenient, but some users may wish for a product that offers longer-lasting benefits. Also, the spikes are suitable for acid-loving plants, but users should ensure their soil pH matches the needs of the specific plants they are growing to avoid nutrient lockout.

Miracle-Gro Tree and Shrub Plant Food Spikes are an excellent choice for gardeners seeking an easy and effective way to nourish their trees and shrubs. They provide a practical solution for promoting lush foliage and vibrant colors.

Rating
9.6
Application Frequency

Most important from
21331 reviews

Application Frequency
Application is straightforward—just hammer the stakes around the tree's drip line.
#3

BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed, Granules, 4 lb, Insect Killer and Fertilizer & Plant Food

Rating
9.4
Application Frequency

Most important from
6611 reviews

Application Frequency
A single application per year delivers lasting protection and feeding, making tree and shrub care remarkably low-maintenance.

The BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed is a slow-release, synthetic fertilizer combined with an insect killer that targets common pests like Japanese Beetles and Aphids. Its main highlight is the convenience of a single application lasting up to a year, making the maintenance of tree and shrub health easier without frequent treatments. The granular form is easy to apply and works systemically, protecting plants from roots to leaves.

This fertilizer is synthetic, so it may not appeal to users looking for organic options. Its strong pest control benefits combined with year-long feeding make it suitable for gardeners wanting low-maintenance care for outdoor and containerized trees and shrubs. Those who prefer organic fertilizers or need precise nutrient management might want to consider alternatives.

Rating
9.4
Application Frequency

Most important from
6611 reviews

Application Frequency
A single application per year delivers lasting protection and feeding, making tree and shrub care remarkably low-maintenance.

Buying Guide for the Best Tree Fertilizers

Choosing the right tree fertilizer is crucial for ensuring the healthy growth and development of your trees. Fertilizers provide essential nutrients that trees need to thrive, and selecting the right one can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your trees. When picking a tree fertilizer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you are providing the best possible care for your trees.
N-P-K RatioThe N-P-K ratio represents the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the fertilizer. These are the primary nutrients that trees need. Nitrogen promotes leaf and stem growth, phosphorus supports root development and flowering, and potassium enhances overall health and disease resistance. For young trees, a higher nitrogen content (e.g., 10-10-10) is beneficial for growth. For mature trees, a balanced or lower nitrogen ratio (e.g., 5-10-10) is better to support root and fruit development. Choose the N-P-K ratio based on the age and type of tree you are fertilizing.
Type of FertilizerFertilizers come in various forms, including granular, liquid, and spikes. Granular fertilizers are easy to apply and provide a slow release of nutrients over time, making them ideal for long-term feeding. Liquid fertilizers offer quick nutrient absorption and are suitable for immediate nutrient needs. Fertilizer spikes are convenient and provide a steady release of nutrients directly to the root zone. Consider the ease of application and the specific needs of your trees when choosing the type of fertilizer.
Organic vs. SyntheticOrganic fertilizers are made from natural materials and release nutrients slowly, improving soil health over time. They are environmentally friendly and safe for use around children and pets. Synthetic fertilizers are chemically manufactured and provide a quick release of nutrients, which can be beneficial for immediate results. However, they may not improve soil health in the long term. If you prefer a more sustainable approach, opt for organic fertilizers. If you need rapid results, synthetic fertilizers may be more suitable.
MicronutrientsIn addition to the primary nutrients (N-P-K), trees also require micronutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, and copper for optimal growth. These micronutrients are often included in fertilizers in small amounts. Check the fertilizer label to ensure it contains the necessary micronutrients, especially if your soil is deficient in any of them. If your trees show signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth, a fertilizer with added micronutrients can help address these issues.
Application FrequencyDifferent fertilizers have varying application frequencies, ranging from once a year to several times a season. Slow-release fertilizers typically require less frequent applications, while liquid fertilizers may need to be applied more often. Consider your schedule and the level of maintenance you are willing to commit to when choosing a fertilizer. If you prefer low-maintenance care, opt for a slow-release fertilizer that requires fewer applications.
Soil pH CompatibilitySoil pH affects nutrient availability to trees. Some fertilizers are formulated to work best within specific pH ranges. Test your soil pH before selecting a fertilizer to ensure compatibility. Most trees prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). If your soil pH is outside this range, choose a fertilizer that can help adjust the pH or consider amending the soil to achieve the desired pH level.

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