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.
A weeping willow drinks a lot and grows fast — so fast it can exhaust the soil around it within a few seasons. The right fertilizer delivers nitrogen to the root zone, not just the grass above. This guide sorts through granular blends, liquid concentrates, and hammer-in spikes to find which one keeps your willow’s canopy full and its limbs strong.
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.
If you are searching for the fertilizer for weeping willow tree, the winning choice depends on how much effort you want to put into application and how deep your soil allows the nutrients to travel.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose Fertilizer For Weeping Willow Tree
Weeping willows are hungry trees that grow near water, which means nutrients can wash away quickly. The right fertilizer matches your soil’s drainage and your reapplication schedule.
Match the N-P-K to the Season
Nitrogen drives the lush green foliage that makes a willow weep. A ratio heavier in nitrogen, like 16-4-4 or 13-3-3, supports that rapid leaf growth. Balanced formulas like 10-10-10 work when you also want root and flower development in nearby plants.
Decide How Deep You Want to Feed
Liquid fertilizers soak into the top few inches of soil quickly, which suits younger trees with shallow roots. Spikes and root feeders push nutrition down to the active root zone, which helps established willows that have roots spreading wide and deep.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Form | N-P-K | Coverage | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espoma Plant-Tone★ Best Overall | Organic, slow release | Granules | 5-3-3 | 2 bags (4 lb each) | Amazon |
| Jobe’s 16-4-4 Spikes (2-pack)Also Great | Steady all-season feeding | Spikes | 16-4-4 | 30 spikes | Amazon |
| Ross Root Feeder RefillsDeep Root Pick | Deep root watering + feeding | Granules | 25-10-10 | 36 refills | Amazon |
| TPS Nutrients Liquid Tree Food | Fast root & canopy boost | Liquid | 1:64 mix | 32 oz | Amazon |
| SimplyGro 8-8-8 Spikes | Balanced feeding, hammer-in | Spikes | 8-8-8 | 12 spikes | Amazon |
| Old Farmer’s Almanac Spikes (12) | Nitrogen-heavy growth | Spikes | 13-3-3 | 12 spikes | Amazon |
| GreenView 10-10-10 | Whole-yard multi-purpose | Granules | 10-10-10 | 33 lb bag | Amazon |
| Old Farmer’s Almanac Spikes (24) | Multiple trees, seasonal feed | Spikes | 13-3-3 | 24 spikes | Amazon |
| Jobe’s Bulk 160 Spikes | Large properties, many trees | Spikes | 15-3-3 | 160 spikes | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Espoma Organic Plant-Tone (5-3-3, 4 lb Bag x2)
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 650+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The organic granules that feed your willow without synthetic chemicals — but bring a nose peg.
Espoma Plant-Tone is a 5-3-3 organic fertilizer that breaks down slowly to create a long-lasting reservoir of nutrients in the soil. It’s a registered Organic Input Material, which means it meets organic production requirements. Each 4-pound bag is part of a 2-pack, so you get 8 pounds total — that’s a 128-ounce total unit count across both bags.
What owners appreciate most is the effectiveness — 41 mention it works well, and 25 note visible plant growth. Customers note: “I use this twice a year and it works like a champ.” The organic nature gets 7 mentions, and ease of use gets 6. It’s a favorite among gardening businesses for giving new perennials a healthy start. However, the odor gets 11 negative mentions, with owners describing it as foul-smelling like chicken manure, so stand upwind when applying.
The benefit here is that organic matter improves soil structure over time, which helps a thirsty willow hold moisture better. The 4-pound bag weighs 4 pounds versus Ross’s 1.4-pound refill pack, giving you more material per purchase. Apply it around the drip line of the tree and water thoroughly — spring and fall are the recommended times for trees and shrubs.
Earth-friendly feeding: This is the pick for gardeners who want organic-approved material that also conditions the soil, not just feeds it.
Choose this if: organic gardening is a priority and you don’t mind a strong natural smell during application.
skip it if: you want a quick liquid feed — this works slowly by design.
2. Jobe’s Tree Fertilizer Spikes (16-4-4, 30 Count)
The crowd-pleasing spike that feeds a willow all season without any measuring cups.
Jobe’s 16-4-4 spikes are the easiest path to a healthier willow because you simply hammer them into the soil and let the slow-release formula go to work. The 16% nitrogen pushes the lush foliage willows are known for, while the 4% phosphorus and 4% potassium support roots and overall structure. You get 15 spikes per package, and this listing ships two packages, so you have 30 spikes total for a full season around a couple of trees.
What wins people over is the effectiveness — 25 owners single out how well it works, and the quality gets 18 mentions. The spikes are designed to feed continuously below the surface where the tree’s active roots are growing, which means nutrients stay put instead of washing away. Buyers report using them once a year around all their trees and shrubs, and they see quick, healthy growth, especially on younger trees. The 8.5-pound item weight covers a lot of ground, and you never have to mix or measure anything.
The honest trade-off: a few owners find the price creeping up each year, and the value-for-money feedback is mixed. Application is easiest in damp soil — one owner suggests using a metal rod to pre-drill holes to avoid rocks. This is a premium-tier pick, so you pay for the convenience, but the slow-release design means you feed twice a year instead of monthly.
Why owners stick with it
- Time-release feeding lasts the whole season without reapplication
- No runoff, mess, or smell compared to granular spreading
- Won’t burn trees, even if you apply a bit generously
What to plan around
- Price has been rising, so it’s not the budget option
- Damp soil or pre-drilled holes make hammering much easier
Reach for this if: you want a set-and-forget feeding routine that lasts the season and works well on young trees that need a strong start.
Look elsewhere if: you have a huge number of trees and want the lowest cost per spike.
3. Ross Root Feeder Fertilizer Refills (25-10-10, 36 Count)
The refill that delivers water and 25-10-10 nutrition straight to the deep roots.
Ross refills are built for the Ross Root Feeder tool, which waters and fertilizes at the same time. The 25-10-10 analysis is heavily nitrogen-forward, which is exactly what a weeping willow needs to push out its signature drooping branches and dense leaves. At 1.4 pounds for 36 refills, you get a full season of deep feeding without any mixing or measuring.
What owners rave about is the depth — 24 owners praise the effectiveness, and 17 highlight the quality. Owners mention that nearly 100-year-old trees show new growth a few weeks after root feeding with these pellets, even in drought conditions. The key difference versus surface-applied granules is that this method gets nutrients down to the root zone directly, so the tree actually uses them rather than losing them to runoff.
The trade-off is that you need the Ross Root Feeder tool to use these refills, which is an extra purchase if you don’t already own one. A 36-count pack weighs just 1.4 pounds, versus Espoma’s 4-pound bag, making it easier to store but also meaning you’ll buy refills more often. It targets shade trees, shrubs, and various types of grass, so it’s not willow-specific but works perfectly for one.
Best for root depth: If your willow is established with a wide root spread, this deep-feeding method reaches what surface granules cannot.
Grab this if: you already own a Ross Root Feeder or want the most direct nutrient delivery to the root zone.
Note the catch: the tool is required, so this is a two-part investment.
4. TPS Nutrients Liquid Tree Food (32oz, 1:64 Mix)
The liquid feed that visibly greens up a struggling tree within days.
TPS Nutrients liquid tree food is designed for rapid absorption, making it the right choice when your willow looks stressed or you just transplanted it. The 32-ounce bottle mixes at a 1:64 ratio with water, and the 2-pound liquid volume means one bottle goes a long way. It’s formulated to ease transplant shock and boost canopy fullness, which is exactly what a newly planted willow needs.
Growth is the top praise here — 22 owners mention it, with 14 noting overall effectiveness and 9 highlighting greening. Reviewers point out a pine tree that was almost dead and brown all around came back stronger and greener after a season of every-other-week feeding. The emerald junipers in one owner’s yard turned a nice deep dark green just 3 days after fertilizing. It’s made in the USA and works on fruit, shade, and ornamental trees.
The catch is the patience required — one owner notes it took a full year of regular feeding to see the dramatic recovery. It’s a liquid, so it won’t condition soil the way organic granules do, but it delivers a fast nutrient hit. At 32 fluid ounces, it’s a compact bottle that’s easy to store and mix on demand.
Quick rescue formula: Best when your willow needs an immediate nutrient boost rather than a slow seasonal feed.
Turn to this for: stressed or newly planted trees that need fast, visible greening.
Be patient: results build over a season of regular applications, not overnight.
5. SimplyGro Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes (8-8-8, 12 Count)
The balanced 8-8-8 spike that feeds deciduous, coniferous, and flowering trees alike.
SimplyGro’s 8-8-8 formula is the balanced middle ground — equal parts nitrogen for growth, phosphorus for flowering, and potassium for strong roots. Each 5-inch spike feeds continuously for up to 3 months, so you apply twice a year (spring and fall) and let it work. The 12-count package weighs 3 pounds, and these are patented TruSpikes designed to not break, crush, or smash when you hammer them in — no plastic caps or special equipment needed.
Effectiveness and quality each get 13 positive mentions, with ease of use at 11. Shoppers say crepe myrtles blooming within 3-4 weeks of application, and winter-damaged plants in central Florida perking up nicely. One owner notes the nutrients feel balanced rather than nitrogen-heavy, which is a deliberate design choice. The spikes are invisible once hammered into the ground, so your lawn stays tidy.
The occasional inconvenience: if you have rock mulch, you have to scrape it aside to drive the spikes in. The 8-8-8 balance means it’s general-purpose rather than tailored to a nitrogen-hungry willow, but it’s a solid choice if you want one product for all your trees and shrubs. At 3 pounds for 12 spikes, it’s a lighter package than Jobe’s 30-count, so you’ll need multiple boxes for a large property.
All-around tree feed: The balanced ratio makes this a safe bet when you have a mix of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants.
Pick this if: you want one spike for every type of tree in your yard.
Consider the size: 12 spikes go fast if you have several large trees.
6. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Tree & Shrub Spikes (13-3-3, 12 Count)
The 13-3-3 spike that prioritizes fast, vigorous foliage growth for nitrogen-hungry trees.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac spikes pack a 13-3-3 punch — 13% nitrogen for vigorous, colorful growth, 3% phosphorus for fruiting and blooms, and 3% potassium for strong roots. Each 5-inch TruSpike feeds continuously for up to 3 months, and the box of 12 weighs 3 pounds. Like the SimplyGro spikes, these are hammer-in TruSpikes with no cap required and a no-break guarantee.
Quality gets 12 positive mentions, effectiveness gets 11, and durability gets 7 — owners note the spikes don’t break during installation. One owner’s fruit trees grew double in one season compared to the year before. A struggling dogwood revived dramatically: 6 spikes in a 10-foot ring last fall produced explosive white blooms this spring. The 13% nitrogen is well-suited to a weeping willow’s need for dense foliage.
The main friction point: ease of use gets 12 mentions but they’re split (MIXED), because the spikes are tough to drive into hard or dry ground. Owners recommend watering first or waiting until after rain when the soil is soft, then tapping them below the surface with a mallet. A single 3-star review saw no difference, so results can vary with soil conditions.
Nitrogen-first feeding: Ideal for willows where canopy density and leaf color are the top priorities.
Reach for it if: your willow needs a strong foliage push and your soil is soft enough to hammer into.
Plan ahead: soften the ground with water first to make installation easier.
7. GreenView Multi-Purpose Fertilizer (10-10-10, 33 lb Bag)
The massive 33-pound bag that feeds your whole yard, willow included, with one balanced formula.
GreenView’s 10-10-10 is a complete, all-purpose fertilizer that covers 3,300 square feet — the largest coverage in this lineup. At 33 pounds, this bag lasts a long time and handles vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs, and ornamental gardens. The balanced formulation delivers the important nutrients most plants need, making it a strong choice if you want one product for your entire property.
Effectiveness gets the most praise here — 36 owners mention it — and value for money is a close second at 16 mentions. Owners use it throughout the Midwest growing season on trees, hostas, vegetables, and perennials with very good results. One owner in Hawaii switched from 16-16-16 to this 10-10-10 because the old formula became too expensive and hard to find. It’s non-dusty, which owners appreciate, and easy to apply across the yard.
The trade-off: for a weeping willow specifically, a balanced 10-10-10 isn’t as nitrogen-forward as a 16-4-4 or 13-3-3 spike. You’ll get steady overall health but not the aggressive foliage push that a nitrogen-heavy formula provides. It’s granules too, so surface application around a large willow’s drip line requires spreading and watering in. For an older tree with a wide canopy, you may need most of the bag to cover the full root zone.
The whole-yard workhorse: If your willow shares the yard with gardens and lawns, this one bag feeds everything.
Buy this if: you want one fertilizer for your entire landscape, not just the willow.
Know the limit: it won’t push foliage as hard as a nitrogen-heavy tree-specific formula.
8. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Spikes (13-3-3, 24 Count)
Double the 13-3-3 spikes for feeding multiple trees across two seasons.
This is the larger version of The Old Farmer’s Almanac spike — 24 spikes weighing 6 pounds, double the 12-count box. The 13-3-3 formula uses natural ingredients like molasses to release nutrition directly into the root zone. Each 5-inch TruSpike feeds continuously, and the 6-pound weight means you can cover a willow plus a couple of other trees or shrubs in one application.
Ease of use is the top praise at 17 mentions, with effectiveness and quality tied at 15 each. The spikes stay intact even when driven into clay soil with a mallet — a durability point that gets 12 mentions. One owner fertilized a Japanese Stewartia and a fountain beech and noticed more flowers and fuller leaves sooner than ever before. After a hurricane, another owner’s trees greened up nicely with these spikes.
The mixed feedback is on application — 8 owners find it easy to drive them in, but others report cracking during installation, especially in clay soil. The 6-pound package is easier to handle than the 33-pound GreenView bag but heavier than the 12-count box. Feed once per season in early spring and late fall for continuous nutrition.
Season-long coverage: The 24-count box feeds your willow and a few nearby trees all season long, so you don’t have to reapply every few weeks.
Choose this if: you have multiple trees and want the per-spike economy of a larger box.
Be ready to work: clay soil may crack some spikes — pre-drill holes if your ground is hard.
9. Jobe’s Slow Release Spikes (15-3-3, Bulk 160 Count)
The 160-spike bulk box for properties where the willow is just one of many hungry trees.
Jobe’s bulk box contains 160 slow-release spikes with a 15-3-3 NPK formula — 15% nitrogen for lush foliage, 3% phosphorus, and 3% potassium for strong roots. This is the highest quantity in the lineup, designed for large properties with many trees. The formula is tailored for acid-loving trees like oak, maple, dogwood, and boxwood, and the pre-measured spikes remove any risk of over-fertilizing.
Owners in semi-arid climates report trees that languished for years dramatically improved once they started using these spikes twice a year. The 160-count bulk format is cost-effective per spike — but owners note the packaging can arrive split with some powder at the bottom of the box. The included red caps are awkward for driving the spikes; experienced owners recommend a 16-ounce rubber mallet or a PVC pipe with a wooden dowel to drive them in straight.
The 9.6-ounce item weight is surprisingly light for 160 spikes because they’re compact, but the value is in the quantity. This is a budget-friendly per-unit price, though the upfront cost is the highest in the lineup — it’s a premium bulk commitment. For a single weeping willow, 160 spikes is overkill, but for a property with multiple trees it’s the most economical way to feed them all.
The bulk advantage
- 160 spikes cover a whole property of trees for a year or more
- Pre-measured spikes mean no over-fertilizing risk
- Slow-release feeds twice yearly with no mixing
What to expect
- Packaging can arrive split with loose powder — plan to repackage
- The included caps are awkward; a mallet works better
Get this if: you’re feeding many trees across a large property and want the lowest cost per spike.
pass on it if: you only have one willow — you’d be storing 150+ spikes for years.
Understanding the Specs
N-P-K Ratio Explained
The three numbers on a fertilizer bag (like 16-4-4) tell you the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen drives leaf and stem growth — the most important number for a weeping willow you want to stay full and green. Phosphorus supports roots and flowers, while potassium builds overall plant strength and disease resistance.
Spikes vs. Granules vs. Liquid
Spikes release nutrients slowly over months at the root level, making them the lowest-maintenance option. Granules spread across the soil surface and need watering in, but they cover large areas cheaply. Liquids absorb fastest and suit stressed trees, but they require frequent reapplication and don’t condition soil.
FAQ
How often should I fertilize a weeping willow tree?
What N-P-K ratio is best for a weeping willow?
Will fertilizer spikes work on a mature willow with deep roots?
Is organic fertilizer better than synthetic for willows?
Can I over-fertilize a weeping willow?
Why is my weeping willow not growing even after fertilizing?
What’s the difference between 13-3-3 and 8-8-8 spikes for my yard?
How do I know where to place fertilizer spikes around a willow?
Can I use the same fertilizer for my willow and my lawn?
Why do fertilizer spikes sometimes crack when I hammer them in?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the fertilizer for weeping willow tree worth buying is the Jobe’s Tree Fertilizer Spikes. Its 16-4-4 formula (16 parts nitrogen for leafy growth, 4 parts phosphorus for roots, 4 parts potassium for overall health) gives your willow exactly the foliage boost it craves. The spikes release nutrients slowly over the season, so you just push them into the soil and skip mixing or measuring. If your willow faces drought and needs deep root feeding, choose the Ross Root Feeder Refills instead. For a stressed or newly planted tree that needs quick help, the TPS Nutrients Liquid Tree Food delivers fast. Your choice depends on your willow’s condition and your preferred application effort.
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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