10 Best Fertilizer For Trees And Shrubs 2025 in the United States

Miracle-Gro Tree and Shrub Plant Food Spikes are designed to provide essential nutrition to your trees and shrubs. These spikes are particularly user-friendly, as they are inserted directly into the ground, thus delivering nutrients directly to the roots. This makes the application process straightforward and minimizes mess, which is a significant advantage for those who prefer low-maintenance gardening solutions.

The spikes are suitable for a wide variety of trees and shrubs, including deciduous, flowering, and evergreen types, which adds to their versatility. Additionally, they are formulated to be used twice a year, in the spring and fall, aligning well with seasonal growth cycles for optimal effectiveness. This can help ensure your plants look vibrant throughout the year with minimal effort on your part.

On the downside, the number of spikes required per tree can add up, especially for larger trees with a 12-foot drip line diameter, potentially making it an expensive option for those with multiple large trees. Another consideration is that these spikes are synthetic, which might not appeal to those who prefer organic gardening methods.

The BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed offers a dual function by combining slow-release fertilizer with insect and pest protection. This unique combination could be particularly beneficial for those looking to maintain the health of their trees and shrubs while keeping pests at bay. Its granular form makes it straightforward to apply, and it works systemically from the roots to the leaves.

The product also offers long-lasting effects, reportedly protecting against insects for up to a year with just one application. This could be a significant time-saver for busy gardeners. However, potential users should note that it is not suitable for use in certain states and counties. Another possible downside is that, while it does provide essential nutrients, it may not contain as wide a range of micronutrients as some other fertilizers.

Additionally, it is a synthetic product, which may not appeal to those seeking organic options.

The Espoma Organic Plant-Tone 5-3-3 fertilizer stands out as a versatile and environmentally friendly option for those looking to nourish their flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs. With a balanced N-P-K ratio of 5-3-3, it provides essential nutrients in a slow-release format, ensuring sustained nourishment over time. This type of fertilizer, being organic, is particularly beneficial for those committed to eco-friendly gardening practices.

It contains natural ingredients enhanced with Espoma's exclusive Bio-tone formula, which includes 5% calcium, potentially aiding in strong plant development. Additionally, it’s free of harmful sludges or toxic elements, making it safe for the environment and your garden. The product is easy to use, requiring no mixing—simply apply it around the drip line of plants and water thoroughly. Its seasonal recommendation is to fertilize trees and shrubs in spring and fall, while flowers and vegetables should be fed monthly during the growing season.

This makes it a convenient option for both novice and experienced gardeners. However, the 36-pound bag may be heavy and difficult to handle for some users, and those with smaller gardens may find the coverage to be more than they need. Produced by Espoma, a reputable company in organic fertilizers since 1929, this product is a reliable choice for maintaining healthy and vibrant plants.