Best Garden Fertilizers for Trees & Shrubs of 2025

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

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Garden fertilizers for trees and shrubs are essential to ensure healthy growth and maximum yield. These fertilizers are specially formulated to provide the necessary nutrients that trees and shrubs require for optimal growth, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. There are many different types of garden fertilizers available, including organic and chemical options. Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials, such as compost and manure, while chemical fertilizers are made from synthetic compounds. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right fertilizer for your specific needs. With the right garden fertilizer, trees and shrubs will thrive and produce abundant fruit and foliage.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Espoma Organic Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 Cover #TOP 1
Espoma Organic Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4
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
Down to Earth Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Mix Cover #TOP 3
Down to Earth Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Mix
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Garden Fertilizers for Trees & Shrubs

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

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

Down to Earth Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Mix

Down to Earth Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Mix Cover
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Tree & Shrub Mix 4-2-4, 5 lb

Down to Earth Fertilizer is a five-pound box with a 4-2-4 formula that is perfect for promoting healthy root development and protecting plants from various stresses. Whether you are transplanting bare root trees, ball and burlap shrubs, or container plants, this organic fertilizer is designed to ensure rapid establishment and survival from transplant shock, drought, and other environmental extremes. The ingredients, including fish bone meal, corn gluten meal, langbeinite, greensand, AZOMITE, humates, and kelp meal, work together to provide essential nutrients and promote optimum plant growth. With the Down to Earth Fertilizer, you can give your plants the best start and help them thrive in any conditions.

What We Like
Organic
Encourages root development
Promotes rapid establishment
#TOP 4

Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed Flowering Trees and Shrubs Plant Food

3002410
Brown/A
8 lb.
Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed Flowering Trees and Shrubs Plant Food Cover
Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed Flowering Trees and Shrubs Plant Food, For In-Ground and Container Plants, Acid-Loving Flowering Plants, 8 lbs.

Miracle-Gro Plant Food is a fantastic choice for your garden. It contains natural ingredients that nourish the soil's microbes, promoting healthy growth. Ideal for all flowering trees, shrubs, and acid-loving plants, it ensures deep green foliage and vibrant blooms all season long. This product kickstarts plant growth and offers continuous feeding for up to 3 months. Whether your plants are in the ground or containers, this convenient option will keep them beautiful.

What We Like
Natural ingredients for soil microbes
Deep green foliage and vibrant blooms
Continuous feeding for up to 3 months
#TOP 5

The Old Farmer's Almanac Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes

OFA-FS1333-24
The Old Farmer's Almanac Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes Cover
The Old Farmer's Almanac Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes (Box of 24 Spikes - 6 Lbs) (OFA-FS1333-24)

The Old Farmer's Almanac Fertilizer is designed for quick and lasting nourishment of your trees, evergreens, and shrubs. These convenient 5-inch spikes are easy to insert into the soil, eliminating the hassle of caps and ensuring they won’t break. For optimal growth, simply use them once in early spring and again in late fall, providing continuous support. They contain natural ingredients like molasses that deliver nutrients directly to the roots, promoting stronger plants. With a nutrient-rich formula, you’ll see vibrant growth and healthy blooms in your garden.

What We Like
Fast-acting nutrition
Easy to use
Natural ingredients
Long-lasting effects
#TOP 6

Bloom City Tree & Shrub Fertilizer

BTREESHRUB1Q-0224
Quart (32 oz)
Bloom City Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Cover
Bloom City's Tree & Shrub Fertilizer - Tree & Evergreen Fertilizer - Shrub Fertilizer for Healthier Growth, Quart (32oz)

Bloom City Tree Fertilizer is designed to enhance the health and strength of your trees and shrubs. This high-quality fertilizer provides essential nutrients that promote vigorous growth, ensuring that your plants flourish. If you have magnolia trees, this product is perfect for bringing out their vibrant beauty. Additionally, it improves flowering, so you can enjoy more blossoms throughout the season. With Bloom City, you can give your trees and shrubs the complete care they need to thrive in your garden.

What We Like
Promotes robust plant growth
Enhances flowering quality
Ideal for magnolia trees
High-quality nutrient support
#TOP 7

The Old Farmer's Almanac Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes

6PK-OFA-FS1333
The Old Farmer's Almanac Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes Cover
The Old Farmer's Almanac Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes (Box of 12 Spikes - 3 Lbs)

The Almanac Fertilizer Spikes are a patented, powerhouse TruSpike that pack robust nutrition designed to feed your trees, evergreens, and shrubs continuously for up to 3 months. These 5-inch spikes are nutrient-rich with a 13-3-3 formula that promotes vigorous and colorful plants, bountiful fruiting and blooms, and strong roots. There's no need for a plastic cap or special equipment, just hammer it in and let it get to work feeding your plants. The spikes release nutrition directly into the root zone where plants need it most, without waste or runoff. For best results, feed 2 times a year, early spring and late fall, for continuous fertilization. Depending on climate and plant variety, an additional application in the summer can provide extra nutrition and help protect from summer stress.

What We Like
Fast-acting
No waste/runoff
Long-lasting
#TOP 8

Nelson NutriStar Plant Food 21-6-8

897298000146
4 lb. Jar
Nelson NutriStar Plant Food 21-6-8 Cover
Nelson - Trees, Shrubs, & Evergreens Plant Food for In-Ground, Containers, & Patios, Granular Fertilizer, NutriStar 21-6-8 (4 lb.)

The Nelson Plant Food is a specially formulated fertilizer designed for trees, shrubs, and evergreens. It contains a balanced mix of essential nutrients that promote healthy and vibrant growth. With five different nitrogen sources, this fertilizer ensures your plants receive a consistent supply of nutrition over time. You can expect immediate results, as the product works with the soil to deliver the right nutrients at the right moment. Whether you are growing plants in the ground or in containers, this fertilizer will help enhance the lushness of your foliage, making your garden more beautiful.

What We Like
Balanced nutrition for plants
Immediate nutrient boost
Multiple nitrogen sources
Suitable for all plant types
#TOP 9

Florida Foliage 12-6-8 Fertilizer

90-TR14-3P10
Green
Florida Foliage 12-6-8 Fertilizer Cover
Fertilizer | 12-6-8 General Purpose | Shrub, Tree & Ornamental | Fast Release – 60 Day, Macronutrient & Micronutrient Formula for Container and In-Ground Plants | 30 Ounces

Florida Foliage Fertilizer is designed to boost the growth and greening of your shrubs and ornamental plants. With its fast-release formula, you can expect quick results, making your garden look vibrant in no time. The 60-day nutrient supply ensures that your plants receive consistent nourishment, promoting healthy leaf development throughout the season. This fertilizer is perfect for container plants and landscape ornamentals, making it versatile for various gardening needs. Its balanced mix of essential macronutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, provides comprehensive support for your plants’ growth.

What We Like
Fast plant growth
Long-lasting nutrient supply
Versatile for various plants
Easy application
#TOP 10

Gardenwise 10-10-10 All-Purpose Fertilizer

GARDENWISE
10 10 10 Fertilizer
2 quarts
Gardenwise 10-10-10 All-Purpose Fertilizer Cover
Gardenwise 10-10-10 All-Purpose Professional Fertilizer Plant Food for Indoor/Outdoor Gardening; Premium Shrub, Tree, Flower, Vegetable and Lawn Fertilizer; Quick-Release Nitrogen (2 Quart)

Gardenwise All-Purpose Fertilizer is a versatile solution for all your indoor and outdoor gardening needs. With its balanced formula of 10% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, it supports healthy growth across a variety of plants. The slow-release feature ensures your plants receive continuous nutrition for up to eight weeks, reducing the frequency of applications. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to apply the fine granules, which spread evenly for optimal soil absorption. This fertilizer not only promotes strong roots and vibrant blooms but also provides an immediate nitrogen boost for quick results, making your garden flourish effortlessly.

What We Like
Balanced nutrient formula
Slow-release for long-lasting effects
Easy application with granules
Quick results for rapid growth
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best fertilizer for trees and shrubs?

Research in woody plant nutrition has shown however that nitrogen is the element that yields the greatest growth response in trees and shrubs. For this reason, high nitrogen fertilizers with N-P-K ratios of 4-1-1, 3-1-1 or 3-1-2 are generally recommended for feeding established woody plants.

2. What is the best fertilizer to use 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.

3. What fertilizer should I use on shrubs?

A complete fertilizer, such as 16-4-8, 12-6-6 or 12-4-8, is generally recommended, unless the soil test reveals that phosphorus and potassium are adequate. Two kinds of fertilizers are available: fast-release and slow-release.

4. Should you fertilize trees and shrubs?

In most landscapes, healthy trees and shrubs do not require fertilizers, especially when they reach their mature size. It is not recommended to fertilize at planting time. Research studies show most of a plant's energy is directed to root growth during the establishment period.

Editor's Notes

During our garden fertilizer for trees & shrubs research, we found 24 garden fertilizer for trees & shrubs products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 100,250 customer reviews through our big data system to write the garden fertilizers for trees & shrubs list. We found that most customers choose garden fertilizers for trees & shrubs with an average price of $19.24.

The garden fertilizers for trees & shrubs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of garden fertilizers for trees & shrubs, including Espoma, Miracle-Gro, Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers, The Old Farmer's Almanac, Bloom City. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 14,527 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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.