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Arborvitae trees that turn brown or develop bare patches in the middle are often starving for the right nutrients. The key to thick, vibrant privacy hedges is matching the fertilizer to your tree’s specific needs — whether it needs a slow-release spike you set and forget or a liquid dose that works within days.
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.
The goal is simple: help you find the best arborvitae tree fertilizer by matching the right formula to your tree size, your schedule, and how fast you need results.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer
Not all fertilizers work the same way on arborvitae. The wrong N-P-K ratio or a fast-acting synthetic burn can leave you with brown tips instead of a green hedge. Here is what to look for.
N-P-K Ratio
The three numbers on the bag tell you the percentage of Nitrogen (leaf growth), Phosphorus (root strength), and Potassium (overall hardiness). Arborvitae thrive on a higher first number — look for a ratio where Nitrogen is double or triple the other two, like 13-3-3 or 6-4-6.
Spikes vs Liquid
Spikes are pre-measured sticks you hammer into the soil. They release nutrients slowly over weeks. Liquids mix with water and feed roots immediately. Choose spikes if you want once-a-season application. Choose liquid if you want quicker uptake and more control over dosage.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | N-P-K Ratio | Type | Quantity | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Old Farmer’s Almanac Tree & Shrub Spikes★ Best Overall | Season-long feeding | 13-3-3 | Spikes | 24 spikes | Amazon |
| SimplyGro Spikes for EvergreensSmart Value | Set-and-forget convenience | 12-3-3 | Spikes | 12 spikes | Amazon |
| Leaves and Soul Liquid Arborvitae Fertilizer | Quick absorption | 6-4-6 | Liquid | 32 oz | Amazon |
| TPS Nutrients Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer | Easy measuring | 2 tbsp/gal | Liquid | 32 oz | Amazon |
| TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Arborvitae | Newly planted trees | Slow-release | Granular | Varies | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Tree and Shrub Fertilizer Spikes
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 400+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The highest-nitrogen spike pack that feeds a full hedge with zero measuring.
This box contains 24 TruSpikes — each 5 inches long — with a 13-3-3 ratio, meaning you get 13% Nitrogen for leaf and color growth, 3% Phosphorus for blooms, and 3% Potassium for roots. That nitrogen level is the highest in this lineup, so your arborvitae get the biggest boost for dense green foliage. At 6 pounds, this is also the heaviest option here, giving you 96 fluid ounces of nutrition dispersed across the spikes.
You hammer each spike directly into the ground around the tree. The maker says they will not break, crush, or shatter. The formula includes natural ingredients like molasses, which release nutrition at the root zone. Feed once in early spring and once in late fall for continuous results. Unlike the liquid picks below, there is no mixing, no pouring, and no guessing.
Buyers report that one box easily covers a row of privacy hedges for the whole season. Reviewers mention they saw greener needles within a few weeks of spring application. The catch is that spikes work more slowly than liquid, so if your tree is already stressed or struggling, you might want a faster option.
Season-long feeding spikes: This is the best pick if you have multiple arborvitae and want a single spring-and-fall routine without mixing or spraying.
Limited per spike coverage: If you prefer quick, visible results on a struggling tree, the slower spike release may not satisfy you as fast as a liquid concentrate can.
Set and forget: You want the strongest nitrogen ratio (13-3-3), you have a row of hedges, and you prefer a set-and-forget spike system used twice a year.
Small gardens: You need to correct a nutrient deficiency immediately on a single tree — a liquid option will deliver nutrients faster to the roots.
2. SimplyGro Fertilizer Spikes for Evergreen Trees and Shrubs
The smaller spike pack that feeds continuously for up to 3 months at a time.
This pack of 12 spikes uses a 12-3-3 formula, which is very close to the top pick’s 13-3-3 — just 8% less nitrogen, making it the second-highest nitrogen option here. That means your arborvitae still get a strong leaf-growth boost, just slightly less concentrated. At 3 pounds total, this is half the weight of The Old Farmer’s Almanac pack, so it is easier to carry and store.
Each 5-inch spike is a patented TruSpike that feeds continuously for up to 3 months. That is one less trip to the garden center per year than many spike brands. The maker recommends applying twice a year: once in spring when trees produce leaves and cones, and once in fall when they store energy for winter. There is no plastic cap needed — just hammer it in and it works.
Buyers mention the spikes do not crumble or break during installation, which some older spike brands do. A reviewer noted their arborvitae hedge looked fuller after one spring application. The trade-off is you get only 12 spikes compared to 24 in the top pick, so if you have a long fence line, you may need two boxes.
Three-month nutrient release: This spike feeds for up to 3 months straight, which means fewer applications per year while still getting a strong 12-3-3 nutrient dose.
Quantity vs area mismatch: With 12 spikes per box, you cover fewer trees per purchase than the 24-spike pack, so calculate your hedge length before ordering.
Timed release: You want a long-lasting spike (up to 3 months per application) with a high nitrogen ratio (12-3-3) and prefer a lighter, easier-to-handle pack.
Large properties: You have a large hedge row and need to cover many trees at once — the 24-spike pack will serve you better per box.
3. Leaves and Soul Arborvitae Fertilizer 32 oz
The quick-absorb liquid that gets nutrients straight to the root zone faster than spikes.
This is a professional-grade 6-4-6 liquid concentrate made specifically for arborvitae trees and shrubs. The balanced ratio supports root development, branching, and dense green foliage. Unlike spikes, you mix this with water and pour it around the base, so the nutrients reach the roots almost immediately. This makes it a smarter choice when your tree is showing signs of stress, yellowing, or slow growth and you cannot wait weeks for a spike to break down.
You get 32 fluid ounces of concentrate in a single bottle. That is 3 times less liquid volume compared to the 96 fluid ounces in The Old Farmer’s Almanac spike pack, but the liquid form means every drop is immediately available to the plant rather than stored in a spike. The formula works for arborvitae in containers, raised beds, privacy hedges, and in-ground soil.
Buyers reported seeing greener foliage within a couple of weeks of application, which is faster than spike users typically report. One reviewer noted it saved a row of arborvitae that was browning after a dry spell. The main drawback is you need to mix and apply it more frequently than spikes, so it requires more hands-on time during the growing season.
Fast liquid relief
- Liquid delivers nutrients immediately to roots
- Balanced 6-4-6 ratio supports roots, shoots, and color
- Works for potted and in-ground arborvitae
- Made in the USA
Frequent application needed
- Requires mixing and pouring each time
- One bottle (32 oz) covers fewer trees than a spike pack
Quick green-up: You want fast-absorbing liquid nutrition for a struggling or newly planted arborvitae, and you do not mind mixing and applying more often.
Low maintenance: You prefer the convenience of hammering in spikes once per season and want to minimize hands-on work.
4. TPS Nutrients Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer
The best-rated liquid option with the simplest mixing instruction — 2 tablespoons per gallon.
This 32-ounce liquid concentrate from TPS Nutrients is formulated specifically for arborvitae and evergreen hedges. It supports dense foliage, strong root systems, and steady growth. The mixing ratio is straightforward: 2 tablespoons per gallon of water. That removes the guesswork that some other liquid fertilizers leave you with. The maker states it is suitable for privacy hedges, borders, and yard plantings.
With 612 ratings and a 4.4-star average, this is the most-reviewed liquid option in this list. Buyers consistently mention that their arborvitae showed visible green-up within two weeks. One buyer mentioned it helped their hedge fill in bare patches that had been there for two years. The liquid form allows you to control exactly how much each tree gets, which is useful when you have trees of different sizes.
The trade-off is that because it is a liquid, it requires repeated applications through the growing season. Unlike spikes that sit in the ground for months, you need to mix and water this in every few weeks to maintain the effect. If you are not home often, that could mean gaps in feeding.
Bulk buyer favorite: With over 600 ratings and a 4.4-star average, this liquid fertilizer has proven results for a wide range of arborvitae owners.
Strict schedule required: You must reapply regularly during the growing season; the effect does not last as long as a spike.
Cost per feeding: You want a proven liquid fertilizer with massive customer feedback (612 ratings), easy mixing (2 tbsp/gal), and fast visible results on your hedge.
Forgetful users: You want a low-maintenance option that you can apply twice a year and forget about — spikes will suit your schedule better.
5. TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Arborvitae
The targeted formula that builds root strength first, then feeds the foliage all season.
TreeHelp has specially formulated this fertilizer for arborvitae trees, not just any evergreen. It uses slow-release Nitrogen, which means the nutrients break down gradually over the growing season rather than hitting the tree all at once. That reduces the risk of fertilizer burn, which can happen with fast-acting synthetics. The primary focus is root development — building a strong underground system before pushing leaf growth.
The maker says one application treats one large tree or 2 to 3 smaller or newly planted trees. That makes it a good choice for someone who just planted a row of young arborvitae and wants to establish their root systems before worrying about top growth. Complete instructions are included, so you know exactly how much to apply per tree.
Buyers appreciate that it does not burn tender roots, especially on younger trees. One owner reported their newly planted arborvitae survived the first winter better after a season of this fertilizer. The catch is that it comes from a smaller brand with only 52 ratings, so the sample size of user feedback is smaller than the other picks. Also, it is a granular formulation, so you need to work it into the soil rather than simply hammering a spike.
Root zone targeting
- Specially formulated for arborvitae
- Slow-release Nitrogen prevents burning
- Promotes long-term root development
- Treats 1 large tree or 2-3 smaller trees
Smaller user base
- Only 52 ratings available compared to 600+ for some options
- Requires working granules into the soil
Deep feeding: You are planting new arborvitae and want a gentle, slow-release formula that prioritizes root establishment over fast top growth.
Mass appeal: You want quick visual results on an established hedge or prefer a no-mix spike or liquid concentrate.
Understanding the Specs
N-P-K Ratio
This is the three-number code on every fertilizer bag. The first number is Nitrogen, which drives leaf and needle growth and gives your arborvitae that rich green color. The second is Phosphorus for root and bloom strength. The third is Potassium for overall hardiness and disease resistance. For arborvitae, you want a high first number — typically 12 or higher in spikes, or 6 in balanced liquids like the 6-4-6 formula.
Slow Release vs Fast Acting
Slow-release fertilizers, like spikes and granular formulas, break down over weeks or months. They feed steadily and reduce the risk of burning the roots. Fast-acting liquids deliver nutrients immediately to the root zone, which is helpful when your tree is stressed or showing yellowing. Your choice depends on how urgent the need is and how often you want to apply.
FAQ
Can I use regular tree fertilizer on arborvitae?
How often should I fertilize my arborvitae trees?
What happens if I use too much fertilizer on my arborvitae?
Are spikes better than liquid for arborvitae hedges?
Can I fertilize newly planted arborvitae?
How many spikes do I need per arborvitae tree?
Will fertilizer make my arborvitae grow faster?
Should I fertilize arborvitae in the fall?
What is the difference between 13-3-3 and 6-4-6 fertilizer?
Can I use arborvitae fertilizer on other evergreens?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the best arborvitae tree fertilizer winner is the The Old Farmer’s Almanac Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes because it delivers the highest nitrogen ratio (13-3-3) in a 24-pack that covers a full hedge with just two applications a year. If you want fast liquid absorption for a stressed tree, grab the Leaves and Soul Liquid Arborvitae Fertilizer. And for set-and-forget convenience on a smaller row of trees, the SimplyGro Spikes for Evergreens feed continuously for up to 3 months per application.
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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