Best Garden Fertilizers for Tree of 2025

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Garden fertilizers for trees are essential for maintaining healthy, vibrant trees. There are various types of fertilizers available, including organic and synthetic options. Organic fertilizers, such as compost, bone meal, and fish emulsion, provide natural nutrients to the soil and promote healthy root growth. Synthetic fertilizers, on the other hand, are chemical-based and provide a quick boost of nutrients to the tree. It's important to choose the right fertilizer for your specific tree's needs and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the tree.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food, 3 lb Cover #TOP 1
Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food, 3 lb
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes Cover #TOP 2
Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Espoma Organic Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 Cover #TOP 3
Espoma Organic Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Garden Fertilizers for Tree

Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food, 3 lb

1000283
3 lb.
Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food, 3 lb Cover
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, Fertilizer for Indoor or Outdoor Flowers, Vegetables or Trees, 3 lbs.

Feed your plants instantly with Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food.Full of essential nutrients, this fertilizer promotes bigger, more beautiful plants and can be used on all flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and houseplants. Use it every 1-2 weeks with a watering can or the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder. Plus, it's safe for all plants and won't burn when used as directed.

What We Like
Effective for various plants
Easy to use
Affordable price

Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes

4851012
Basic Pack
Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes Cover
Miracle-Gro Tree and Shrub Plant Food Spikes, For Deciduous, Flowering and Evergreen Trees, 12 Spikes

Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes contain natural ingredients and promote vibrant colors and lush foliage. These easy-to-use spikes release nutrients directly into the root zone to help promote strong trees and shrubs. Feed once per season in Spring and Fall. They are also great for use on evergreens and acid loving plants.

What We Like
Promotes vibrant color and lush foliage
Contains natural ingredients
Easy-to-use spikes release nutrients directly into the root zone
#TOP 3

Espoma Organic Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4

ET18
Espoma Organic Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 Cover
Espoma Organic Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 Natural & Organic Fertilizer and Plant Food for Evergreen Trees & Shrubs. 18 lb. Bag. Use for Planting & Feeding to Promote Optimum Growth

Espoma Evergreen-Tone is a natural and organic fertilizer specifically designed for all needle leaf and broadleaf evergreens, including pine, fir, spruce, juniper, azaleas, rhododendron, and camellias. Its rich blend of natural and organic ingredients, enhanced with the exclusive Bio-tone formula, promotes optimum growth and is environmentally safe, containing no sludges or toxic ingredients. Espoma Evergreen-Tone is easy to use and requires no mixing, making it perfect for planting or feeding established plants. It is approved for organic gardening and meets all requirements for organic production. Made in the USA, Espoma Evergreen-Tone is a reliable and trusted choice for gardeners who want to give their plants the best possible care.

What We Like
Organic ingredients
Easy to use
Approved for organic gardening
#TOP 4

Voluntary Purchasing Group Fertilome 10864 Tree and Shrub Food

10864
Voluntary Purchasing Group Fertilome 10864 Tree and Shrub Food Cover
Voluntary Purchasing Group Fertilome 10864 Tree and Shrub Food, 19-8-10, 4-Pound

This garden fertilizer is a scientifically formulated tree food that delivers nutrients directly to feeder roots with its penetrating action, eliminating the need to dig holes. It is designed to keep your trees and shrubs healthy and vigorous.

What We Like
Scientifically formulated
Penetrating action for direct nutrient delivery to feeder roots
Eliminates the need to dig holes
#TOP 5

Espoma Organic Tree-Tone 6-3-2 Natural & Organic Fertilizer

4 pounds
Espoma Organic Tree-Tone 6-3-2 Natural & Organic Fertilizer Cover
Espoma TR4 4-Pound Tree-Tone 6-3-2 Plant Food , 4 pounds

Espoma Tree-Tone Organic Fertilizer is a natural and organic fertilizer that is perfect for all shade, fruit, and ornamental trees. Whether you have apple trees, peach trees, or any other type of tree, Tree-Tone is the ideal choice. It is made from a rich blend of the finest natural and organic ingredients, and it is enhanced with the exclusive Bio-tone formula. With a fertilizer analysis of 6-3-2 and 5% calcium, Tree-Tone provides the essential nutrients that trees need to thrive. The best time to use Tree-Tone is in the spring and fall, and it requires no mixing. Plus, Tree-Tone is approved for organic gardening, so you can feel confident that you are using a product that meets all requirements for organic production. Made in the USA by the Espoma Company, a leader in natural organics since 1929.

What We Like
Rich blend of natural & organic ingredients
Enhanced with exclusive Bio-tone formula
Approved for organic gardening
#TOP 6

Jobe's Fruit and Citrus Fertilizer Spikes

04226
Brown
6 Spikes
Jobe's Fruit and Citrus Fertilizer Spikes Cover
Jobe’s Organics Garden Fertilizer Spikes, Easy Plant Care Fertilizer for Fruit and Citrus Plants and Trees, 6 Count

Jobe's Fruit and Citrus Fertilizer Spikes are an efficient delivery system for organic nutrients that is ideal for fruit and citrus trees. The spikes are slow-release and come in a 6-pack re-sealable pouch, making it easy to provide consistent nourishment to your plants.

What We Like
Efficient delivery system for organic nutrients
Ideal for fruit and citrus trees
Slow-release formula
Convenient 6-pack re-sealable pouch
Provides consistent nourishment to plants

Jobe’s Organics All Purpose Granular Fertilizer

09526
Brown
4 lb
Jobe’s Organics All Purpose Granular Fertilizer Cover
Jobe’s Organics Granular All Purpose Fertilizer, Easy Plant Care Fertilizer for Vegetables, Flowers, Shrubs, Trees, and Plants, 4 lbs Bag

Jobe’s Organics Granular Fertilizer is a fast-acting, certified organic fertilizer that is perfect for all your gardening needs. Whether you're growing flowers, vegetables, shrubs, trees, or plants, this fertilizer will provide the nutrients they need to thrive. It is made from organic ingredients and is free from synthetic chemicals, making it safe for organic gardening. The easy pour bag and resealable packaging make it convenient to use and store. With an analysis of 4-4-4, this fertilizer provides a balanced blend of nutrients to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Give your garden the nourishment it deserves with Jobe’s Organics Granular Fertilizer.

What We Like
Fast-acting
Certified organic
Easy to use
#TOP 8

Jobe's Fertilizer Spikes

06528
Brown
50 Spikes
Jobe's Fertilizer Spikes Cover
Jobe’s Organics All Purpose Fertilizer Spikes, Easy Plant Care Fertilizer for Vegetables, Flowers, Shrubs, Trees, and Plants, 50 Count

Jobe's Spikes are organic fertilizer spikes that provide nourishment to plants at their roots. These spikes are pre-measured and time-release, giving your plants a consistent supply of nutrients. They are OMRI listed for organic gardening, ensuring that they meet organic standards. The spikes contain Jobe's Biozome, a proprietary microorganism called Archaea that breaks down material quickly for faster results. This Biozome also improves soil conditions and helps plants withstand drought. The spikes are easy to use, preventing waste and run-off. With a nutrient analysis of 4-4-4, each resealable bag contains 50 spikes, making it convenient for all your gardening needs.

What We Like
Organic
Time-release
OMRI listed
#TOP 9

Jobe’s Organics Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes

01210
Brown
8 Spikes
Jobe’s Organics Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes Cover
Jobe’s Organics Slow Release Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes, Easy Plant Care for Cypress, Arborvitae, Pine, Cedar, Boxwood, and Many More Acid Loving Trees and Shrubs, 8 Count

Jobe's Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes make plant care easy and efficient. Each package contains eight organic spikes designed to prevent waste and mess, ensuring a cleaner gardening experience. With an 8-2-2 NPK formulation, these spikes deliver a steady supply of essential nutrients right to the roots where your trees and shrubs need them most. Plus, they are completely free from synthetic chemicals and are USDA OMRI listed for organic gardening, giving you peace of mind about what you’re using. Simply apply them twice a year, and you can avoid the hassle of over-fertilizing with pre-measured spikes.

What We Like
Organic and chemical-free
Easy application
No waste or mess
Consistent nutrient supply
#TOP 10

BioAdvanced Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed Granules

701900B
No Color
4 Pound
BioAdvanced Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed Granules Cover
BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed, Granules, 4 lb

BioAdvanced Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed Granules is a garden fertilizer that provides 12 month protection against listed insects, including Japanese Beetles, Emerald Ash Borers, and Aphids, as well as prevents new infestations. Its slow-release fertilizer formula improves the health of trees and shrubs from roots to leaves. BioAdvanced Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed Granules is useful for those who want to protect their outdoor and potted plants from pests and enhance their growth.

What We Like
Provides 12 month protection against insects
Prevents new infestations
Improves the health of trees and shrubs from roots to leaves
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is best fertilizer for trees?

As a result, trees usually respond best to fertilizer with a 2-1-1 or a 3-1-1 ratio (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium). Commonly available fertilizers with a 2-1-1 or similar ratio are 18-6-12, 12-6-6, 10-6-4, 10-8-6 and 10-8-4.

2. Should I fertilize trees?

Trees and shrubs should be fertilized in early spring, and a light fertilizer application can be made in early summer if conditions are conducive to plant growth (that is, reasonable temperatures and soil moisture). Avoid fertilizing trees and shrubs stressed by drought during the summer months.

3. What is the best natural fertilizer for trees?

Fruit trees prefer an organic, high nitrogen fertilizer. Blood meal, soybean meal, composted chicken manure, cottonseed meal, and feather meal are all good, organic nitrogen sources.

4. What is a good tree and shrub fertilizer?

A complete fertilizer formula with an NPK ratio of 16-4-8, 12-4-8, or 12-6-6 should work well for most trees and shrubs.

Editor's Notes

During our garden fertilizer for tree research, we found 24 garden fertilizer for tree products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 406,873 customer reviews through our big data system to write the garden fertilizers for tree list. We found that most customers choose garden fertilizers for tree with an average price of $19.12.

The garden fertilizers for tree are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of garden fertilizers for tree, including Miracle-Gro, Espoma, ARZER, Jobe's Organics, BioAdvanced. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Steven Taylor Avatar

Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.