Fertilizing Trees

Recommendations for fertilizing trees and shrubs can change from one plant to the next. Growing conditions, age, species and health of the tree or shrub, along with its purpose, and use in the landscape should all be considered. Over time, recommendations will change, but use the following for general fertilizing guidelines.

Trees and shrubs do not require large amounts of fertilizer. Mature, established plants in good condition can be maintained by fertilizing once every 3-4 years. Young, vigorously growing trees and shrubs can be fertilized as often as 3 times each year. In general, recently installed trees and shrubs are fertilized 1-2 times each year. After they have become established fertilize once each year and once every 2-3 years as they mature.

Trees and shrubs can be fertilized in the fall, (after the leaves have fallen, early spring (as growth begins), or late spring. Do not fertilize if the ground has frozen or in mid-winter when roots are not growing. Keep in mind that plants need sun, water, and nutrients. Fertilizing a plant that is not receiving adequate water, or sun, will cause additional stress and should be avoided.

Trees and shrubs develop extensive, fibrous, root systems throughout the upper several inches of the soil. The fertilizer should be applied over the surface of the soil, covering as much of the root system as possible. Deep root fertilization is no longer recommended. Read and follow label directions to determine how much fertilizer to use

Merrifield Garden Center has tried to make fertilizing trees and shrubs as simple and easy as possible by producing three, custom blended fertilizers to choose from:

Merrifield Starter Plant Food 6-12-8

Use Merrifield Starter Plant Food with all of your planting projects. This fertilizer is high in phosphate and has 25% slow-release nitrogen. It is designed to use at the time of planting to encourage root growth and provide immediately available nutrients.

Merrifield Flowering Plant Food 10-18-12

Merrifield Flowering Plant Food is intended for use on all flowering plants including annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs. It contains 50% slow-release nitrogen for balanced growth and is high in phosphate to promote prolific blooms. Merrifield Flowering Plant Food can be used on azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods and other acid, loving plants, as well as roses and lilacs which prefer more neutral conditions.

Merrifield Tree and Shrub Food 16-4-10

Merrifield Tree and Shrub Food is a long-lasting fertilizer to promote healthy, sustained growth of evergreens and shade trees. It can be used on everything from Leyland cypress and hollies to oak and maple trees. It contains 75% slow-release nitrogen and can be used for spring or fall applications.