Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You want deep green, vigorous evergreens without the hassle of mixing liquids or spreading granules that wash away in the first rain. Fertilizer spikes deliver plant food directly to the root zone where it works, and they last for months on a single application. The right pick saves you time and keeps your trees from sending out yellow, hungry-looking needles.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind Lawn Gear Lab. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you are feeding a single arborvitae or a row of privacy cedars, choosing the right formula matters more than you think. Here is your complete guide to the best evergreen fertilizer spikes on the shelf today.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes
Evergreens have different nutritional needs than your lawn or your rose bushes. They crave a steady supply of nitrogen to keep their needles deep green, but they also need a balanced set of other nutrients to develop strong roots and resist disease. A spike that works wonders on a maple can actually harm a spruce if the numbers are wrong.
NPK Numbers — The First Number Is the Star
The three numbers on the package are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). For evergreens, the first number (nitrogen) should be the highest. A ratio around 13-3-4 or 16-4-4 is common. The nitrogen promotes lush, green needle growth, while the phosphorus and potassium support root strength and overall hardiness. A spike with a balanced ratio like 10-10-10 can cause too much flowering and not enough foliage on your conifers.
Spike Count and Coverage Area
One spike does not fit all trees. A small 3-foot arborvitae might need only one spike in spring, while a 10-foot pine may require four or more placed around its drip line. Always check how many spikes come in the box and whether the package lists a coverage range. A 15-count box is perfect for a handful of young trees; a 160-count bulk box is for properties with dozens of established evergreens.
Release Duration and Application Schedule
Most spikes are slow-release, meaning they feed the tree continuously for two to three months. You typically apply them twice a year — once in early spring as the tree breaks dormancy, and once in late fall to help it store energy for winter. Some spikes also include micronutrients like iron or magnesium, which can correct yellowing in specific species like blue spruce.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | NPK Ratio | Spike Count | Weight Per Pack | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jobe’s 01660 Tree & Shrub★ Best Overall | General acid-loving trees | 16-4-4 | 15 | 12 oz | Amazon |
| Jobe’s 01661 EvergreenTop Performer | Targeted evergreen feeding | 13-3-4 | 15 | 16 oz | Amazon |
| Jobes 01611 Value PackBest Value | Year-round value feeding | 13:3:4 | 15 | 4 lb | Amazon |
| SimplyGro TruSpikes | Non-crumbling durability | 12:3:3 | 12 | 3 lb | Amazon |
| Old Farmer’s Almanac (12 pk) | Magnesium boost for color | 10-4-10 | 12 | 3 lb | Amazon |
| Power Spike Evergreens | Iron-fortified greening | — | 30 | 9.6 lb | Amazon |
| Old Farmer’s Almanac (24 pk) | Larger properties | 10-4-10 | 24 | 3 lb | Amazon |
| Jobes 01611 Six-Pack | Bulk annual supply | 13-3-4 | 90 | — | Amazon |
| Jobe’s 02611 Bulk Box | Massive 160-count economy | 11-3-4 | 160 | — | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Jobe’s Slow Release Tree and Shrub Fertilizer Spikes, 15 Count
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 11,000+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The crowd favorite that has been greening up entire neighborhoods for two decades.
This is the spike that owners come back to year after year, and with more than 11,000 ratings, the proof is in the numbers. The 16-4-4 NPK formula delivers the highest nitrogen count on this list, which translates directly to that rich, deep green you want from your oaks, maples, dogwoods, and boxwoods. For comparison, the standard Jobe’s evergreen spike (the 01661) uses a 13-3-4 ratio, while this tree and shrub version uses 16-4-4.
The real-world results are hard to argue with. Buyers report that trees improve noticeably within weeks, and a long-time user noted that “the untreated trees across the street are definitely smaller in both height and circumference.” Applying them is a two-minute job — simply hammer each pre-measured spike into the soil around the drip line in early spring and again in late fall, and you are done for the season with zero runoff or smell.
The only caveat is that durability gets a mixed response. While many owners say the spikes drive in cleanly, a fair number report that their spikes crumble after pounding. Working the soil with a screwdriver or watering first helps significantly. If you have rocky or compacted clay, pre-drilling a pilot hole solves the issue.
What wins people over
- Highest nitrogen count (16-4-4) for strong greening
- Proven across more than 11,000 ratings — a massive consensus
- Eliminates runoff, mess, and the need to mix liquids
- Twice-a-year application covers the entire growing season
What to watch for
- Some spikes crumble on impact if soil is bone-dry or rocky
- Labeled for general acid-loving trees, not exclusively evergreens
- 12-ounce weight is lighter than the dedicated evergreen pack
Reach for these if: you have a mix of acid-loving trees and shrubs and want the highest-nitrogen formula available for maximum green-up.
Look elsewhere if: you exclusively need spikes for evergreens like pine or spruce — the 01661 is a tighter match for that use.
2. Jobe’s 01661 Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes, 15 Pack
Specially built for evergreens and praised for not crumbling on the drive.
While the tree and shrub version is a generalist, this spike is purpose-formulated for evergreens with a 13-3-4 NPK ratio. It feeds for up to 90 days per application, so your pines, spruces, and arborvitae get a slow, steady supply of nutrients without the risk of burning. At 16 ounces for 15 spikes, it is heavier per spike than the general tree and shrub pack (12 ounces for 15 spikes), meaning more concentrated food in each one.
Buyers consistently mention that these spikes drive into the ground without breaking apart or crumbling. One owner described it exactly as they hoped: “Did not break apart or crumble when I drove into the ground.” Another calls them “the absolute BEST fertilizing spikes for my green giant trees” and reports bigger, more beautiful growth every year. The consensus is simple — effectiveness and ease of application are the two most-praised aspects, with effectiveness leading the way.
Best for exclusive evergreen feeding: If your property is mostly conifers and you want a spike that won’t shatter on impact, this is your pick.
Trade-off: At 15 spikes, the count is modest for larger properties. You might need two boxes for a full row of privacy trees.
3. Jobes Evergreen 15 Spikes Value Pack
Heavier spikes per box for the same 15-count — a simple numbers advantage.
At 4 pounds for 15 spikes, this value pack is heavier per spike than the 3-pound pack from SimplyGro (3 pounds for 12 spikes), and it weighs a full pound more than its standard Jobe’s sibling. The NPK ratio is 13:3:4, identical to the 01661 pack but in a heavier, more nutrient-dense spike. The application schedule is the same simple routine: pound in spring, pound in fall, and let the slow-release formula feed the roots all year. One owner summarized it perfectly: “I put the recommended dose per plant once in the spring and again in the fall. That’s it. Feeds them all year round.”
The real draw here is the simplicity. There are no mixing steps, no measuring, and no mess. Owners mention that a single application produces healthy growth on evergreen shrubs and that using the spikes consistently every spring and fall keeps trees looking their best. The value angle is straightforward — you get a denser product for roughly the same price as the standard 15-pack.
Who this fits: Anyone who wants a heavier, more nutrient-concentrated spike for the same spike count as the standard pack.
Who should pass: If you need fewer than 15 spikes or prefer a smaller physical package for storage, the 12-ounce tree and shrub pack is more compact.
4. SimplyGro TruSpikes for Evergreen Trees & Shrubs, 12 Count
Patented TruSpikes that are guaranteed not to break, crush, or smash.
If you have ever hammered a fertilizer spike only to have it shatter into dusty pieces, you understand the frustration. SimplyGro addresses this head-on with their patented TruSpike design, which they guarantee will not break, crush, or smash under normal hammering. The 12:3:3 NPK ratio is slightly lower in nitrogen than the Jobe’s options — it has a 12:3:3 ratio, versus the 13:3:4 of the Jobes value pack — but it is still more than adequate for evergreens like pines, firs, and conifers.
Each 5-inch spike feeds continuously for up to 3 months, and the pre-measured format reduces the risk of over-fertilizing. Customers note dramatic improvement in their trees, with one owner noting that two large trees that “were not doing very well” perked up quickly after installation. Another owner praised the convenience, saying the spikes “work well for months saving the need to fertilize often.” The formula also addresses common deficiencies with its time-release nitrogen that prevents leaching in sandy soil.
What you get
- Patented TruSpike design — guaranteed not to break on impact
- 12 spikes at 3 pounds for a solid per-spike weight
- Effective for pines, firs, and other conifers specifically
- Continuous feeding for up to 3 months per application
The honest trade-off
- 12:3:3 ratio is lower in nitrogen than the top Jobe’s options
- Only 12 spikes per box — less coverage than the 15-count packs
- Newer brand with fewer long-term reviews compared to Jobe’s
Pick this if: your soil is hard or rocky and you have broken too many crumbly spikes in the past.
skip it if: you want the highest nitrogen content possible for a deep green boost — the Jobe’s 16-4-4 is stronger.
5. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Evergreen Spikes, 10-4-10 (12 Spikes)
A 10-4-10 formula with an extra 6% magnesium for color and root strength.
What sets this spike apart is the magnesium content. Most evergreen spikes stop at the standard NPK lineup, but The Old Farmer’s Almanac adds 6% magnesium, which is known to help evergreens maintain that rich, deep green color and improve root development. The 10-4-10 ratio provides 10% nitrogen for foliage, 4% phosphorus for coning and flowering, and 10% potassium for strong roots — a higher potassium number than most other spikes on this list.
Reviewers point out that their hollies “look wonderful and are happy” and that trees in new neighborhoods look “much happier, fuller, and taller than others” after regular use. The TruSpike design means you do not need a plastic cap to hammer them in — just strike the spike directly. The only adjustment: one reviewer noted their dogs were attracted to the spikes, so if you have curious pets, bury them deeper than the instructions suggest.
Best for color-focused feeding: If your evergreens look dull or pale despite regular fertilization, the magnesium in this formula often makes a visible difference.
Watch out for: The 10% nitrogen is lower than Jobe’s 13-3-4 or 16-4-4, so if your primary goal is explosive growth, a higher-N spike is better.
6. Power Spike for EVERGREENS, 30 Spikes
Combines standard fertilizer with iron to correct common deficiencies in evergreens.
Not all yellowing is caused by a lack of nitrogen. Iron deficiency is surprisingly common in evergreens, especially in arborvitaes and blue spruces. Power Spike addresses this by fortifying its spikes with iron (Fe), which gets released at the root zone to restore that deep green luster. The spike goes beyond simple NPK feeding — it is packed with key elements that are commonly deficient in evergreens.
The results speak for themselves. One owner reported that their Baby Blue Eyes Spruce “brightened up the bluish color” about two weeks after the first rain. Another mentioned that the fertilizer restored the blue color to a spruce that had turned green after transplanting. With 30 spikes in the box — the highest count in the premium tier — you can cover a large grouping of trees without buying multiple packs. A free applicator pounding cap is included to make installation easier.
Who needs this: Anyone with arborvitaes, blue spruces, or evergreens showing pale or yellow needles despite regular feeding.
7. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Evergreen Spikes, 10-4-10 (24 Spikes)
The same magnesium-rich formula in a larger 24-count box for more coverage.
If you liked the 12-pack of The Old Farmer’s Almanac spikes but need more coverage for a longer row of trees or a larger property, this is the same 10-4-10 formula with 6% magnesium in a 24-count box. The TruSpike design carries over, meaning no cap is required for hammering, and the spikes are guaranteed not to break or smash. Owners consistently praise the ease of use, with one saying “very easy to use” and another noting it is “good value for the money.”
One practical warning that emerged from the reviews: dogs sometimes find these spikes appealing and may lick them, which can cause sickness. If you have a curious terrier or similar breed, bury the spikes deeper than the instructions specify. The spikes themselves are solid, easy to insert, and deliver essential nutrients for steady growth throughout the season.
Best for medium properties: If you have 8-12 evergreen trees and want the magnesium advantage, this 24-count box covers a full two-season cycle.
8. Jobes 01611 Evergreen Tree Fertilizer Spikes, 6-Pack (90 Spikes Total)
Six boxes of the classic Jobe’s evergreen spike bundled together for serious feeding.
This is the same 13-3-4 Jobe’s evergreen formula you trust, but you get six individual 15-count boxes — 90 spikes in total. The per-spike cost drops significantly compared to buying single boxes, making this the smartest choice for anyone with a large number of evergreens or a shared property with multiple feeding zones. The formula delivers a continuous year-long supply of nutrients below the surface to develop strong root systems.
Owners consistently report improved growth and richer color after use. One long-time user says the spikes are “great for my acid loving trees” and that using them twice a year is simple. Another notes that after the first year of use, their arborvitae showed “fuller growth, richer color, healthier evergreens.” The only minor complaint is that some spikes in the box may have a few crumbs from handling or age, but this does not affect performance.
Ideal for dedicated gardeners: If you already use Jobe’s spikes and want a full year’s supply for multiple trees, this six-pack saves you from reordering.
Not for first-time buyers: If you are still testing whether spikes work for your trees, start with a single 15-pack before committing to 90 spikes.
9. Jobe’s Slow Release Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes, Bulk 160 Count
An economical 160-count box for properties with 150 or more evergreens.
When you have a whole property full of evergreens — think rows of arborvitae, cedars, and pines — buying spikes one box at a time becomes expensive fast. This bulk box contains 160 spikes with an 11-3-4 NPK formula specially designed for evergreens like cypress, arborvitae, pine, and cedar. The per-spike cost is the lowest on this list by a wide margin, making it a smart investment for serious landowners.
The reviews reveal clever installation tricks: one owner uses a cordless drill with a 1.5-inch garden auger to pre-drill holes and drops spikes in without pounding, installing 60 spikes in about 15 minutes. Another fertilized 15-20 evergreens in late fall and saw “impressive growth” that greened up struggling Italian cypress. The only consistent complaint is that the spikes are thrown loosely into the box with minimal padding, so some arrive busted or cracked. Most owners find the broken spikes still usable, just a bit shallower.
The big advantage
- 160 spikes for the lowest per-spike cost on the market
- Designed for acid-loving evergreens specifically
- Pre-measured format eliminates over-fertilizing risk
- Avoids runoff, mess, and smells
The honest downside
- Some spikes arrive broken due to loose packaging in the bulk box
- 11-3-4 ratio is the lowest nitrogen count in the Jobe’s lineup
- Only makes sense if you have 20+ trees — overkill for small yards
Buy it if: you have a large number of evergreens (150+ trees or shrubs) and want the most cost-effective solution for regular feeding.
pass on it if: you feed a handful of trees — the smaller 15-count packs are more manageable and less likely to have shipping damage.
Understanding the Specs
NPK Ratio — The Three Numbers That Matter
These three digits are the most important piece of information on any fertilizer package. The first number (N) is nitrogen, which drives leaf and needle growth — higher is generally better for evergreens. The second number (P) is phosphorus, which supports root development and flowering or coning. The third (K) is potassium, which helps overall plant health and disease resistance. For evergreens, you want the first number to be the highest, typically between 10 and 16. A balanced ratio like 10-10-10 is better suited to flowering annuals than to conifers.
Release Duration and Application Timing
Most fertilizer spikes are slow-release, meaning they break down gradually over weeks or months. The typical feeding window is 60 to 90 days per spike. You apply them twice a year — once in early spring when the tree starts actively growing, and once in late fall to help it store nutrients before winter dormancy. The spikes deliver food directly to the root zone, which minimizes nutrient loss from rain runoff and prevents the burning that can happen with quick-release granular fertilizers.
FAQ
How many spikes do I need per tree?
Can I use tree and shrub spikes on evergreens?
Are fertilizer spikes better than granules for evergreens?
When is the best time to put fertilizer spikes in?
Will fertilizer spikes burn my tree roots?
How deep do I hammer the spikes into the soil?
Are these spikes safe around pets and children?
What does the magnesium in some spikes do for evergreens?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the best evergreen fertilizer spikes winner is the Jobe’s Tree and Shrub 15 Pack because its 16-4-4 NPK ratio delivers the highest nitrogen punch available, backed by thousands of real-world owners who have used it for years. If you want a spike purpose-built exclusively for evergreens with a guaranteed non-crumbling design, grab the Jobe’s 01661 Evergreen Spikes. And for properties with dozens of trees where cost per spike matters most, the Jobe’s Bulk 160 Count Box offers the best economics for large-scale feeding.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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