10 Best Fertilizers for Arborvitae Trees to Keep Them Lush and Healthy

I’ve found that the best fertilizers for healthy arborvitae include TPS NUTRIENTS Liquid Plant Food with its balanced 3.6-3-5.1 NPK formula, convenient Miracle-Gro Tree and Shrub Spikes, and organic Espoma Evergreen-Tone for chemical-free feeding. Liquid options like Leaves and Soul provide rapid absorption, while granular fertilizers offer slow-release nutrition over months. The ideal NPK ratio ranges from 3:1:2 to 6:4:6, supporting lush foliage and strong root development. Below, you’ll discover specific application methods and timing strategies for best results.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. Last update on 11th September 2025 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

Notable Insights

• Choose fertilizers with NPK ratios between 3:1:2 to 6:4:6 to promote healthy foliage, root development, and disease resistance.
• Liquid fertilizers like TPS NUTRIENTS provide rapid nutrient absorption for immediate results in struggling arborvitae trees.
• Granular options such as Espoma Organic Evergreen-Tone offer slow-release nutrition lasting several months with fewer applications needed.
• Fertilizer spikes from Miracle-Gro deliver convenient, mess-free feeding directly to root zones while preventing over-fertilization.
• Apply fertilizers in early spring for active growth support and late fall for enhanced root development.

TPS NUTRIENTS Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer, Liquid Plant Food (32 oz)

If you’re dealing with struggling arborvitae that show signs of slow growth, yellowing foliage, or sparse branching, TPS NUTRIENTS Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer offers a targeted solution that addresses these specific challenges. This liquid fertilizer features a balanced 3.6-3-5.1 NPK formula, combining nitrogen for vibrant green foliage with potassium for robust root development. The formula includes kelp and essential micronutrients like iron, magnesium, zinc, and manganese, which work together to boost overall plant health and combat nutrient deficiencies. You’ll appreciate the convenient liquid formulation that’s easy to apply and delivers long-term results for dense, healthy growth in your arborvitae and thuja species.

Best For: Gardeners with struggling arborvitae or evergreen shrubs experiencing slow growth, yellowing foliage, or nutrient deficiencies who want a specialized liquid fertilizer that delivers targeted nutrition for dense, healthy growth.

Pros:

• Balanced 3.6-3-5.1 NPK formula with kelp and essential micronutrients (iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese) specifically designed for arborvitae and evergreen shrubs
• Easy-to-apply liquid formulation that delivers long-term results and effectively addresses common issues like slow growth and discoloration
• Proven effectiveness with customer reports of significant improvements in tree health, new growth in struggling plants, and enhanced greenery

Cons:

• Bottle design lacks a cap, requiring tape or alternative sealing solutions after use
• 32 oz size may not be sufficient for large properties with multiple arborvitae trees
• Specialized formula makes it less versatile compared to general-purpose fertilizers for mixed garden use

Miracle-Gro Tree and Shrub Plant Food Spikes (12 Spikes)

Busy gardeners who want effective fertilization without frequent reapplication will find Miracle-Gro Tree and Shrub Plant Food Spikes perfectly suited for their arborvitae care routine. These convenient spikes deliver a balanced 15-5-10 NPK formula directly to root zones, providing slow-release nutrition that promotes vibrant foliage and healthy growth throughout the season. You’ll simply drive each spike two inches below the soil surface around your tree’s drip line, spacing them at least three feet apart for ideal coverage. With twice-yearly application in spring and fall, these spikes eliminate the guesswork of liquid fertilizing while ensuring consistent nutrient delivery. The 12-spike package covers up to three trees effectively.

Best For: Busy gardeners who want a convenient, slow-release fertilization solution for their trees and shrubs without the hassle of frequent reapplication.

Pros:

• Slow-release formula delivers consistent nutrition directly to root zones with just twice-yearly application
• Easy installation process – simply drive spikes into soil around the drip line without mixing or measuring
• Balanced 15-5-10 NPK ratio promotes vibrant foliage color and healthy growth for various tree and shrub types

Cons:

• Limited quantity of 12 spikes may not be sufficient for larger trees or multiple plants in your landscape
• Plastic installation caps are prone to breakage during the driving process
• Mixed user experiences with ease of installation, with some finding the spikes difficult to insert properly

Leaves and Soul Professional Arbor Vitae Tree Fertilizer Liquid Concentrate (32oz)

Gardeners seeking a specialized liquid fertilizer that delivers targeted nutrition will find Leaves and Soul Professional Arbor Vitae Tree Fertilizer an excellent choice for their evergreen care routine. This 32-ounce concentrate features a balanced 6-4-6 formula specifically designed for arborvitae trees and shrubs, providing steady green growth while promoting deep root development and year-round vigor. You’ll appreciate how this fast-absorbing liquid delivers essential nutrients directly to the root zone, encouraging fuller branching, denser foliage, and healthier needles across all arborvitae varieties. The gentle formulation works effectively for both potted and in-ground trees, making it perfect for privacy screens, garden beds, or mixed borders without overwhelming your soil.

Best For: Gardeners who want a specialized liquid fertilizer to promote healthy growth, dense foliage, and strong root development in arborvitae trees and shrubs for privacy screens, garden beds, or landscape borders.

Pros:

• Balanced 6-4-6 formula specifically designed for arborvitae with fast-absorbing liquid delivery for quick nutrient uptake
• Promotes comprehensive plant health including fuller branching, denser foliage, deeper roots, and year-round vigor
• Versatile application for both potted and in-ground trees with gentle formulation that won’t overwhelm soil

Cons:

• Limited to arborvitae trees and shrubs, making it less versatile for mixed garden plantings with different plant types
• Liquid concentrate requires proper dilution and mixing, which may be less convenient than ready-to-use granular fertilizers
• 32-ounce size may not be cost-effective for large-scale landscaping or extensive arborvitae installations

Evergreen Fertilizer by Perfect Plants (32oz)

Perfect Plants’ Evergreen Fertilizer stands out as an exceptional choice for gardeners who want extensive nutrition that supports multiple evergreen species beyond just arborvitae. This 32-ounce granular formula delivers slow-release nutrition for 2–3 months, making it more convenient than liquid alternatives that require frequent reapplication. You’ll appreciate the premium nutrient blend, which includes essential micronutrients like calcium, boron, iron, and zinc that promote vigorous root development and maintain vibrant year-round foliage color. The granules dissolve easily with regular watering, ensuring consistent feeding without complicated mixing or measuring. Perfect Plants leverages over 40 years of horticultural expertise in this USA-made fertilizer, giving you confidence in supporting healthy arborvitae, boxwood, juniper, and other evergreens throughout your landscape.

Best For: Gardeners and landscapers who want a convenient, long-lasting fertilizer solution for multiple evergreen species including arborvitae, boxwood, juniper, and other trees and shrubs.

Pros:

• Slow-release formula provides 2-3 months of consistent nutrition with just one application
• Contains premium micronutrients (calcium, boron, iron, zinc) that promote vigorous root development and year-round color
• Made in USA by Perfect Plants Nursery with over 40 years of horticultural expertise

Cons:

• Limited to evergreen species only, not suitable for other plant types
• Granular format may not provide immediate nutrition for plants needing quick nutrient boost
• 32oz size may not be cost-effective for large-scale landscaping projects

Espoma Organic Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 Natural Fertilizer for Evergreen Trees & Shrubs (18 lb)

Organic gardening enthusiasts who prioritize natural, chemical-free solutions will find Espoma Organic Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 an exceptional choice for nourishing their arborvitae trees. This certified organic fertilizer delivers a balanced 4-3-4 nutrient ratio with 5% sulfur, specifically formulated to meet evergreen requirements without harmful chemicals or sludges. You’ll appreciate the exclusive Bio-tone formula that enhances nutrient uptake, promoting robust growth and vibrant foliage color throughout the growing season. The ready-to-use granules require no mixing, making application straightforward for both novice and experienced gardeners. Apply twice yearly during early spring and late fall to establish a consistent feeding schedule that supports your arborvitae’s long-term health and development.

Best For: Organic gardening enthusiasts seeking a natural, chemical-free fertilizer specifically formulated for evergreen trees and shrubs including arborvitae, pine, fir, spruce, juniper, azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias.

Pros:

• Certified organic with no harmful chemicals or sludges, making it environmentally safe and approved for organic production
• Ready-to-use granules require no mixing and come with clear application guidelines for twice-yearly feeding
• Enhanced with exclusive Bio-tone formula that improves nutrient uptake and promotes robust growth with vibrant foliage color

Cons:

• Limited to evergreen plants only, making it unsuitable for deciduous trees, lawn grass, or general garden plants
• Requires twice-yearly application which may be more maintenance than some gardeners prefer
• 18-pound bag size may be excessive for gardeners with only a few small evergreen plants

Liquid Arborvitae Fertilizer by Perfect Plants (1qt)

When convenience meets effectiveness, this liquid concentrate becomes the ideal fertilizer for arborvitae enthusiasts who value straightforward application and lasting results. You’ll appreciate the simple dilution system, mixing two tablespoons per gallon of water, which integrates seamlessly into your regular watering routine without requiring additional equipment. The rich blend of essential micronutrients, including iron, boron, and zinc, promotes vibrant growth while enhancing your trees’ natural color and winter survival capabilities. With weekly applications during spring and summer, then reducing to monthly treatments in cooler months, one quart bottle provides enough concentrate for sixteen gallons of spray mix throughout the entire growing season, delivering exceptional economical value for consistent arborvitae care.

Best For: Arborvitae owners seeking an economical, easy-to-use liquid fertilizer that provides season-long nutrition with a simple mixing system and proven results for enhancing tree color and winter survival.

Pros:

• Simple dilution system (2 tablespoons per gallon) that integrates seamlessly into regular watering routines without requiring additional equipment
• Contains essential micronutrients like iron, boron, and zinc that promote vibrant growth, enhanced color, and improved winter survival
• Economical concentrate provides 16 gallons of spray mix from one quart bottle, lasting an entire growing season

Cons:

• Requires regular application schedule with weekly treatments in spring/summer and monthly applications in fall/winter
• Only specifically formulated for arborvitae, limiting versatility for other plant types in your garden
• Liquid concentrate format requires proper storage and handling compared to granular fertilizers

BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed (4 lb Granules)

BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed stands out as the ultimate dual-purpose solution for arborvitae enthusiasts who want extensive care without constant maintenance. This 4-pound granular formula combines powerful insect control with slow-release fertilization, delivering year-long protection against destructive pests like Japanese beetles, emerald ash borers, and aphids. You’ll appreciate how the convenient granules eliminate messy spraying while providing essential nutrients that promote healthy arborvitae growth throughout the growing season. The product’s innovative design targets common arborvitae threats while strengthening your trees’ natural defenses, making it perfect for both established landscapes and container plantings requiring thorough protection.

Best For: Homeowners and gardeners who want a convenient, long-lasting solution that combines insect protection and fertilization for their trees, shrubs, and arborvitae without the hassle of frequent applications or messy spraying.

Pros:

• Provides 12 months of protection with just one application, eliminating the need for frequent reapplication
• Combines insect control and slow-release fertilizer in one product, saving time and money
• Easy-to-use granular format requires no mixing or spraying, making application simple and mess-free

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost compared to separate insect control and fertilizer products
• Granular application may not provide immediate visible results like liquid treatments
• Limited to specific listed insects and may not control all potential pest problems

Miracle-Gro Shake N Feed Plant Food for Flowering Trees and Shrubs, 8 lbs

Arborvitae enthusiasts seeking an all-inclusive, slow-release fertilizer will find Miracle-Gro Shake N Feed Plant Food for Flowering Trees and Shrubs delivers exceptional nutrition through natural ingredients. This 8-pound formula combines kelp, earthworm castings, bone meal, and feather meal to create a thorough feeding system that supports robust growth for three months. You’ll appreciate how these organic components work together, promoting deep green foliage while strengthening root systems naturally. Application proves straightforward—simply spread granules evenly within your arborvitae’s branch spread, avoiding trunk contact, then work lightly into soil and water thoroughly. For sustained results, you’ll need to reapply every three months throughout the growing season.

Best For: Gardeners with acid-loving flowering trees and shrubs who want a convenient, slow-release fertilizer with natural ingredients that provides long-lasting nutrition for up to 3 months.

Pros:

• Contains natural ingredients like kelp, earthworm castings, bone meal, and feather meal for healthier plant growth
• Provides extended feeding for up to 3 months, reducing the frequency of applications
• Easy application process that works for both in-ground and container plants

Cons:

• Requires reapplication every 3 months throughout the growing season for optimal results
• Must avoid contact with trunk and foliage during application, requiring careful placement
• Specifically formulated for acid-loving plants, limiting versatility for other plant types

Jobe’s Slow Release Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes (9 Count)

Gardeners seeking a hassle-free fertilization method will find Jobe’s Slow Release Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes perfectly suited for their arborvitae care routine. These convenient spikes deliver an 11-3-4 NPK formula directly to active root zones, ensuring continuous nutrient supply throughout the growing season. You’ll appreciate the simple application process, which requires inserting spikes around the tree’s dripline just twice yearly in early spring and late fall. The slow-release technology prevents over-fertilization while eliminating wasteful runoff, unpleasant odors, and messy application methods that complicate traditional fertilizing approaches. This targeted feeding system promotes lush foliage and vibrant color in your arborvitae trees without requiring constant monitoring or frequent reapplication throughout the season.

Best For: Gardeners who want a convenient, low-maintenance fertilization solution for acid-loving evergreen trees like arborvitae, pine, cypress, and cedar without the mess and frequent applications of traditional fertilizers.

Pros:

• Simple twice-yearly application around the tree’s dripline eliminates the need for frequent fertilizing throughout the season
• Slow-release formula prevents over-fertilization and provides continuous nutrient delivery directly to active root zones
• Clean application method with no runoff, odors, or messy handling compared to liquid or granular fertilizers

Cons:

• Limited to 9 spikes per package, which may not be sufficient for larger properties with multiple evergreen trees
• Only suitable for acid-loving evergreen species, limiting versatility for mixed garden plantings
• Spike insertion method may be difficult in hard or rocky soil conditions without proper tools

The Old Farmers Almanac Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes (Box of 6 Spikes)

Convenience-focused gardeners who prefer low-maintenance fertilizing methods will find The Old Farmers Almanac Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes particularly appealing for their arborvitae care routine. These 6-spike packages deliver slow-release nutrition that feeds your evergreens consistently over extended periods, requiring minimal effort beyond initial insertion. You’ll appreciate how easily they hammer into soil without crumbling, unlike competing brands that break apart during application. The mess-free design eliminates mixing, measuring, or repeated applications throughout the growing season. While some users report spectacular growth results, including trees tripling in size, effectiveness can vary depending on your specific soil conditions and plant needs. These larger spikes work best for established arborvitae rather than newly planted specimens.

Best For: Convenience-focused gardeners who prefer low-maintenance fertilizing methods and have established trees and shrubs that need consistent, long-term nutrition without frequent reapplication.

Pros:

• Easy to apply by hammering into soil without crumbling or breaking apart like competing brands
• Slow-release formula provides consistent nutrition over extended periods with no mixing, measuring, or repeated applications
• Users report significant growth improvements, with some trees tripling in size after application

Cons:

• Large spike size makes them unsuitable for smaller spaces or precise placement needs
• Effectiveness varies significantly depending on soil conditions and plant type, with some users seeing no meaningful changes
• Spike remnants may remain in soil for 1-2 years, raising questions about complete nutrient release

Factors to Consider When Choosing Fertilizer for Arborvitae Trees

When I’m selecting fertilizer for my arborvitae trees, I consider several key factors that directly impact their health, growth rate, and overall performance in the landscape. The NPK ratio, application method between liquid and granular forms, and release timing all play essential roles in meeting these evergreens’ specific nutritional requirements. I also evaluate whether organic or synthetic options better suit my gardening goals, while ensuring adequate micronutrient content supports robust foliage development and winter hardiness.

NPK Ratio Requirements

Understanding the NPK ratio becomes essential for selecting fertilizers that will truly nourish your arborvitae trees, as this three-number sequence reveals the precise balance of nutrients your evergreens need to thrive. I recommend targeting an NPK ratio between 3:1:2 to 6:4:6, which provides ideal nutrition for these popular landscape trees. Nitrogen takes priority in this formula, promoting the lush green foliage that makes arborvitae so valuable in your garden. While phosphorus supports root development, it’s less critical since you’re primarily growing these trees for their beautiful evergreen appearance. Potassium enhances disease resistance and helps your trees manage water more efficiently, making it equally important as nitrogen. This balanced approach guarantees your arborvitae develop strong growth while adapting successfully to seasonal changes and environmental challenges.

Liquid Vs Granular Forms

Choosing between liquid and granular fertilizers requires evaluating several key factors that directly impact your arborvitae’s health and growth patterns. Liquid fertilizers offer rapid nutrient absorption, delivering immediate benefits through quick uptake, while granular forms provide sustained nourishment over several months with proper moisture conditions. I recommend liquid options for sandy soils that drain quickly, as they address nutrient deficiencies immediately, whereas clay soils retain granular fertilizers more effectively over time. Consider your maintenance preferences too: liquid fertilizers require frequent applications during growing season but allow precise mixing ratios, while granular forms need less frequent feeding and improve soil structure. Monitor liquid applications carefully to prevent over-fertilization and nutrient runoff, since their rapid delivery can overwhelm plants if misapplied.

Slow Vs Quick Release

Beyond the physical form of your fertilizer, the release mechanism plays an equally important role in supporting your arborvitae’s nutritional needs throughout the growing season. Slow-release fertilizers gradually deliver nutrients over 2 to 12 months, providing consistent feeding that reduces over-fertilization risks while improving soil structure and microbial health. I recommend these for long-term arborvitae health, especially in sandy soils where nutrient leaching concerns exist. Quick-release fertilizers offer immediate nutrient boosts that rapidly enhance growth, making them ideal for addressing urgent deficiencies or jump-starting sluggish trees. However, they require more frequent applications and increase environmental runoff risks. Your choice depends on your arborvitae’s specific needs: slow-release for sustained health or quick-release for immediate correction.

Micronutrient Content Needs

While macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium form the foundation of arborvitae nutrition, micronutrients serve as the essential catalysts that release your tree’s full potential for vibrant growth and stunning foliage. Iron, manganese, zinc, and magnesium work together to maintain those deep green needles you’re aiming for, while preventing the yellowing and stunted growth that signal deficiencies. I recommend conducting a soil test before selecting your fertilizer, as this reveals exactly which micronutrients your arborvitae needs most. Look for fertilizers with extensive micronutrient profiles that address these specific deficiencies. By ensuring adequate micronutrient levels, you’ll enhance your tree’s resilience against seasonal stress and environmental challenges, creating the lush, healthy arborvitae that transforms your landscape into a stunning focal point.

Organic Vs Synthetic Options

How do you decide between organic and synthetic fertilizers when your arborvitae trees need the perfect nutritional foundation for exceptional growth? I recommend considering your garden’s long-term health alongside immediate nutrient needs. Organic fertilizers, featuring kelp and earthworm castings, deliver balanced nutrition while enhancing soil microbial activity, creating sustainable growing conditions that benefit your trees over time. Synthetic options provide concentrated nutrients with precise control, offering immediate availability for rapid growth when your arborvitae need quick correction. While synthetic fertilizers cost less initially, organic alternatives improve soil health and plant resilience, reducing chemical runoff that affects surrounding ecosystems. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize immediate results or sustainable, gradual feeding that builds stronger root systems and healthier soil communities for lasting arborvitae well-being.

Application Frequency Considerations

Understanding your arborvitae’s feeding schedule requirements helps you establish a nutrition routine that supports healthy, consistent growth throughout the growing season. I recommend applying most fertilizers twice yearly—once in early spring and again in fall—to align with your tree’s natural growth cycles. However, liquid concentrates require more frequent attention, needing weekly applications during active growth periods and monthly feeding during cooler months. Slow-release granules and fertilizer sticks offer convenience, providing steady nutrition for several months with fewer applications. I always consider environmental factors like soil conditions, weather patterns, and my specific arborvitae variety when determining frequency. Monitor your tree’s health regularly, watching for yellowing foliage or stunted growth that might indicate you need to adjust your feeding schedule.

Soil Ph Compatibility

Most arborvitae varieties perform their best when grown in soil that maintains a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0, creating the ideal environment for proper nutrient absorption and healthy root development. I recommend conducting a soil test before selecting fertilizers, as this reveals whether your soil falls within this mildly acidic to neutral range. If your test shows highly acidic or alkaline conditions, you’ll need to choose fertilizers with pH-adjusting components that help restore balance. Look for products containing lime to raise low pH levels, or sulfur-based formulations to lower high readings. I suggest monitoring soil pH consistently throughout the growing season, since fluctuations directly impact how well your arborvitae absorbs essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from your chosen fertilizer.

Seasonal Timing Factors

When you time your fertilizer applications correctly, you’ll maximize your arborvitae’s growth potential and strengthen their resilience against seasonal stresses. I recommend applying fertilizer in early spring when trees emerge from dormancy, providing essential nutrients during their most active growth phase. This timing guarantees ideal nutrient uptake as your arborvitae begins its annual development cycle. A second late fall application supports critical root development and prepares trees for winter challenges ahead. However, avoid fertilizing in late summer, as this promotes weak growth that increases vulnerability to cold damage. Regular soil testing helps you determine precise timing based on actual nutrient levels, preventing both deficiencies and harmful overfeeding that could compromise your trees’ health.

On a final note

I’ve outlined these exceptional fertilizers to help you maintain thriving, vibrant arborvitae trees throughout every growing season. Whether you choose liquid concentrates for quick nutrient absorption, slow-release spikes for convenient long-term feeding, or organic granular options for sustainable soil health, you’re equipped with proven solutions. Remember to take into account your soil conditions, tree maturity, and application preferences when selecting the perfect fertilizer for your specific landscape needs and gardening goals.