6 Best Fertilizer For Arborvitae | Roots First, Green Second

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Hammer-and-forget feeding that puts a 11-3-4 mix directly at the root zone.

You never measure, spill, or guess with these Jobe’s spikes — each is a pre-measured dose of a 11-3-4 NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) slow-release formula that you drive into the ground at the drip line (the circle under the outer branches) twice a year. The spikes weigh just 3.68 ounces for a pack of 9, which makes them far lighter than the 8-pound Espoma bag, and they are designed for cypress, juniper, and magnolia trees as well as arborvitae, according to the brand. Buyers report that using a 1-inch old auger bit to pre-drill holes makes installation easy — one reviewer has used them for 12 years on blue spruce, citrus, and fruit trees with consistent results. Because each spike is a sealed dose, you cannot burn the roots by over-fertilizing, unlike with the granular Espoma products where you measure and spread.

Unlike the Espoma Evergreen-Tone granules that need spreading and watering in, these spikes release nutrients right at the root zone with no runoff risk. If you have 2 to 4 medium arborvitae, one pack handles the year. For a longer hedge of 20 trees, you will need multiple boxes, which gets less economical than one 36-pound Holly-Tone bag.

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A concentrated liquid formula that rescues stressed arborvitae fast.

This TPS Nutrients liquid feed is formulated specifically for arborvitae and evergreens, and it delivers nutrients through the soil faster than the Jobe’s spikes or Espoma granules. You mix 2 tablespoons per gallon of water and apply it around the root zone (the soil area directly under the branches). The 32-ounce bottle of concentrate — the same volume as the TreeHelp but with a different application method — gives you many treatments. One reviewer noted this “kept newly planted arborvitae alive through a Chicago winter” while the neighbor’s unfertilized trees died, showing how a quick root-zone feed helps new transplants survive harsh conditions. Reviewers also mention that bi-weekly feeding on sandy soil revived dying branches and produced “fantastic green growth.” Another noted it restored brownish arborvitae near a pool area back to a healthy, green, soft, vibrant state, and it works easily with a sprayer or a sprinkling can.

Unlike the TreeHelp Premium that the brand describes as very slow-acting, this liquid gives roots an immediate nutrient boost — the best pick if your trees are yellowing or have dropped needles after a harsh winter. You do have to mix and apply every few weeks, which takes more hands-on time than the two-per-year Jobe’s spikes, so it is not a “set it and forget” solution.

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A liquid made specifically for arborvitae, aimed at long-term root strength.

TreeHelp markets this as specially formulated for arborvitae, and it puts its emphasis on root development rather than just quick green-up. The slow-release nitrogen (a type of nitrogen that feeds plants gradually over weeks) is designed to continue feeding through the entire growing season — one 52.91-ounce container treats one large tree or 2-3 smaller or newly planted trees. That is a larger volume (52.91 ounces) than the 32-ounce TPS liquid, so you get more volume per box if you are feeding a bigger hedge.

One buyer with 50 arborvitae planted in a row sprinkled this before a heavy rain and reported that the trees, which had been browning, greened up. Other owners mention it “looks like it’s working” on trees that needed help. The main caution from reviewers is that the feeding is very slow — one person said “it took awhile for the food to work in to the ground” — so do not expect overnight results, unlike the TPS liquid that is designed for fast relief. A few users also questioned whether the full 3-pound dose for one mature tree was too much, suggesting you might experiment with a lighter application.

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A higher-nitrogen spike for bigger, faster green growth on established trees.

You get 15 spikes — 6 more than the 9-pick Jobe’s pack — and each has a 15-3-4 formulation, compared to the 4-3-4 in the Espoma organic options. That much nitrogen pushes dense, lush foliage on trees that already have a solid root system, so your privacy screen fills in faster. Each spike feeds for up to 90 days, so two applications per year (spring and fall) cover the full growing season. The 15 spikes weigh 1 pound total, which is heavier than the 3.68-ounce 9-pack, reflecting the larger count and dose.

Customers note this product “does not break apart or crumble” when driven into the ground, unlike some softer spikes. One buyer mentioned their aloe grew rapidly with nutrients and that fruit trees yielded more, tastier, healthier fruit. Another called these the “absolute BEST fertilizing spikes for my green giant trees.” Unlike the Espoma organic granules that build soil slowly, these spikes are designed for a faster, more aggressive green-up — but because the nitrogen is much higher, they can burn sensitive or newly planted roots if you overdo it. The one consistent tip is to moisten the ground first — dry soil makes hammering hard, and a few users needed a hammer claw to retrieve the plastic cap.

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A classic organic granular feed that conditions the soil as it feeds the tree.

This 4-3-4 organic fertilizer from Espoma has 5% sulfur (a mineral that helps lower soil pH), which keeps the slightly acidic soil (6.0-7.0 pH) that arborvitae prefer. The 8-pound bag is a medium size — easier to carry than the 36-pound Holly-Tone but enough for several established shrubs if you follow the twice-yearly schedule (early spring and late fall). It is approved for organic gardening, meaning no sludges or toxic ingredients, and it comes ready to use with no mixing required.

One owner reported “I applied it to my yard just before fall and the plants thrived well into November, the following spring everything in the yard grew so much stronger.” Another reviewer, who bought it specifically as “arborvitae fertilizer,” noted it was easy to apply but said they would need to wait several months to see how well it helped their arborvitae. Unlike the Jobe’s spikes that feed directly at the root zone, these granules need rain or watering to carry nutrients down, so they depend on moisture. The main complaint is the strong odor from the organic ingredients, which is common with natural fertilizers and may be noticeable near a patio.

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The original acid-loving plant food in a bag big enough for a whole hedge row.

Holly-Tone is the same 4-3-4 organic formula as the Evergreen-Tone above, but in a massive 36-pound bag designed for all acid-loving plants — hollies, azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries, and evergreens like arborvitae. At 36 pounds versus 8 pounds, this is the obvious choice if you have a long row of arborvitae to feed in both spring and fall without running back to the store. The natural organics break down slowly in the soil, creating a long-lasting reservoir of nutrients that builds soil health season after season.

Buyers rave about this product — one called it “miracle level” and said the growth of their trees was “incredible” after using it, noting they will never use another fertilizer. Another buyer appreciated the price value on the 36-pound bag, saying it is enough for spring and fall feedings. A reviewer from the Bay Area said it works great for magnolias. Because the 4-3-4 ratio here matches the TreeHelp and Evergreen-Tone, this big bag saves you from buying multiple smaller containers. The trade-off is the 36-pound weight — you lug it once, then it lasts. It is also not a quick fix, so if you need immediate green-up, you get faster results from the TPS liquid.