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5 Best Evergreen Fertilizer – Detailed Reviews!

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Fertilizers play a crucial role in plant and trees development. The phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen found in the fertilizers sustain, nourish plant health and prevent it against weeds and pests.

Many people wonder at the evergreen ability to withstand even the harshest climates without visible effects. There is the best evergreen fertilizer that helps to encourage lush foliage and strong root growth on evergreen trees and shrubs.

This fertilizer has a continuous nutrient release ideal for flowering trees and shrubs. The composition of the formula is perfect for magnolias, dogwoods, evergreens, hydrangeas, and other acid-loving shrubs and trees.

Likewise, they have no wasteful runoff, mess, smell, or hazards. It is easy to put around the drip line of every tree with the slow-release formula that lasts for all seasons. You will get high-quality strains of friendly fungi and beneficial bacteria that strengthen houseplants at the cellular level, forming a symbiotic relationship with the root system.

Equally important, it resists root rot and is more resilient to temperature changes to keep the plants green. Additionally, they create a healthy soil environment that promotes more robust plant health and better growth by protecting from excess watering.

Miracle Gro Shake N Feed Shrubs and Flowering Trees Evergreen Fertilizer Best Evergreen Fertilizer 2
Miracle Gro Shake N Feed Shrubs and Flowering Trees Evergreen Fertilizer – via Amazon.com

Types of evergreen fertilizers

1.       Fertilizer spikes for the evergreen trees

Few applications are required as they slowly release nutrients over time. With compact storage and pre-measured, they are much less likely to burn the roots and runoff. They have less work because they don’t always need to be watered, as microorganisms living in the soil release nutrients.

2.       Liquid evergreen food

The quick-release liquids are preferred, mainly those versatile enough to be used even on lawns. Some liquids specifically designed for these shrubs and trees may not be. The most significant benefit of this method is the speed with which nutrients get to the roots. Also, liquids help to balance the pH of the soil. However, care must be taken as accidental over-fertilization can damage the roots.

3.       Evergreen plant food powder and granules

Slow-release granules offer you extra freedom to concentrate on other things, ensuring the plants are well-nourished. The highly concentrated granules offer consistent and hand-dosed nutrients for 3-6 months. Likewise, powders are water-soluble, low-cost, and fast-acting, providing the plants with an instant supply of nutrients but risk runoff and root burns.

4.       Evergreen fertilizer NPK ratio

The nitrogen-loving evergreens flourish with the correct mix of macronutrients. The three key elements are potassium for effective distribution of oxygen, water, and other nutrients, Nitrogen for lush and dense leaf growth, and Phosphorus for disease resistance and strong roots.

The ideal ratio of NPK is 10-8-15, which corresponds to 10 percent nitrogen, 8 percent phosphorus, and percent potassium. You would think it contains more nitrogen, but with the size of this statuesque topiary, more potassium actually means all other critical things go where they remain healthy and thrive throughout the plant.

Factors to consider when buying the best evergreen fertilizer

Type of shrubs and trees

When buying the best evergreen fertilizer, you need to consider the type of shrubs and trees. Different types of shrubs and trees require additional nutrients to grow. For instance, a flowering bush requires other nutrients than the fruiting shrub. So you need to go for the product that suits your plant.

Age of the plant

Young plants require a different amount of evergreen fertilizer than established plants. Fertilizing at an early stage can cause excessive growth of leaves and roots. Young plants are constantly producing new growth, so a slow-release evergreen fertilizer is the best

Overall growth

The overall growth of the plant helps in choosing the best evergreen fertilizer. The leaf drop, plant height, and leaf color, among others, can help you determine whether the plant requires evergreen fertilizer or not. This plays a key role when choosing the right product.

Growing location or medium

Potted plants need more evergreen fertilizer than those grown in the garden or lawn. The ground has natural nutrient sources, while the potted plants depend on fertilizer. Overfeeding need to be avoided because it will result in weak plants, which can quickly burn.

The best time to fertilize most varieties of evergreen plants is in the spring when the plants begin to produce new leaves. You need to fertilize them with nitrogen-based evergreen fertilizer. Also, you can repeat the application in summer if there are signs that your plant’s growth is slowing. Avoid fertilizing the plants prone to drought, as they will not be able to absorb nutrients due to lack of moisture properly.

Nutrient level

When buying the best evergreen fertilizer, you need to consider the nutrient level. The three major nutrients include nitrogen (N), Potassium (K), and phosphorous (P).

For general use, the safe bet is evergreen fertilizer with NPK level balances from 5 to 15. Also, you can choose a unique blend. If you want to solve a particular problem of the plants related to nutrient deficiency, you need a formula rich in this element.

Nitrogen favors the growth of the stems and leaves, and phosphorus favors flowering and root growth. Also, potassium assists the plant in fighting disease. The flowering plants require more phosphorus. If you’re unsure what the plant needs, use the evergreen fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10.


5 Best Evergreen Fertilizer

1. Down to Earth All Natural 4-3-6 5-lb Acid Mix Evergreen Fertilizer

Down to Earth All Natural 4 3 6 5 lb Acid Mix Evergreen Fertilizer Best Evergreen Fertilizer

This evergreen fertilizer is blended particularly for acid lovers like rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, hydrangeas, blueberries, evergreens, raspberries, potatoes, strawberries, and other plants which require a low pH. It encourages lush fruit and flowers. This means you can apply it in early spring for the vegetative growth and then when blooms appear.

Similarly, it comes with the 4-3-6 formula that helps to boost resistance to high winter temperatures and promote root growth. The total nitrogen is 4.0%, water-soluble nitrogen is 0.4%, and water-insoluble nitrogen is 3.6%. Also, you will get phosphate being 3.0%, calcium 3.0%, soluble potash 6.0%, magnesium 2.0%, calcium 3.0%, and sulfur 2.0%.

If you want to apply it to the new plantings, you need to add 1-2 tablespoons in every gallon of soil and then mix carefully OR add 5 to 10 lbs in every cubic yard.

Likewise, the established plants faintly mix 1-2 tablespoons in every gallon on the soil surface every month in the growing season. Again, if you want to feed new berries, apply 2.5 to 5 lbs in every 100 linear feet and then thoroughly mix it in the topsoil at 3 inches.

Pros
  • It encourages lush fruit and flowers
  • Quickly amend the soil
  • Boosts resistance to high winter temperatures
  • Quickly infuse the nutrients
  • No severe organic odor
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • May need more product in every application than others

2. Espoma Organic Holly-tone Natural & Organic 4-3-4 Evergreen Fertilizer

Espoma Organic Holly tone Natural Organic 4 3 4 Evergreen Fertilizer Best Evergreen Fertilizer

If you want the original plant foods for all the acid-loving plants, go for this best evergreen fertilizer from Espoma. It can be used for camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, blueberries, strawberries, evergreens, and all plants which thrive in acidic soils. Equally important, it breaks down slowly to offer long-lasting storage of plant nutrients.

Additionally, it contains the finest natural and organic ingredients enhanced with the exclusive Bio-tone formula of 4-3-4. I really appreciate this product because it is environmentally safe and has no toxic ingredients or sludges. The professionals use it everywhere because it is approved for organic gardening and has patented bio-tone beneficial microbes.

To get the best result on flowering and evergreen shrubs, you need to use them in the fall and spring. In the same way, for berries use in late and early spring, you need to apply to the soil new the plant drip line and water thoroughly. You need to know that the Espoma product requires no mixing and is ready to use.

Pros
  • It breaks down slowly
  • It offers long-lasting plant nutrients storage
  • No toxic ingredients or sludges
  • It is environmentally safe
  • Ready to use
  • It has the finest natural and organic ingredients
  • Requires no mixing
Cons
  • It has a terrible smell

3. Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Shrubs and Flowering Trees Evergreen Fertilizer

Miracle Gro Shake N Feed Shrubs and Flowering Trees Evergreen Fertilizer Best Evergreen Fertilizer

Are you looking for the evergreen fertilizer that can be used on all shrubs, flowering trees, and other acid-loving plants? Go for this product from Miracle-Gro because it contains the natural ingredients fed to the microbes in the soil. In a like manner, it helps to maintain colorful blooms and deep and lush green foliage throughout the season.

Furthermore, it gives the plants the best start and offers continuous feeding release for about three months of beautiful shrubs and trees all season long. Its vital micronutrients and added natural ingredients make it convenient for use on the plants both in the containers and on the ground. The results can be noticed in two days, and the effect is felt throughout the season.

Equally important, it is formulated with earthworm castings, kelp, bone meal, and feather meal in the all-in-one particle to nourish microbes in the soil. Likewise, microbes help break down organic matter into nutrients, which support root development and strength, increasing water efficiency. To feed the ground-planted shrubs, shake the required amount onto the soil around the drip line.

Pros
  • Contains natural ingredients
  • It helps maintain deep and lush green foliage
  • It provides the colorful blooms
  • It offers a continuous release feeding
  • Convenient to use
  • Support root development and strength
  • Increase water efficiency
  • Nourishes below and above the soil
Cons
  • It can burn the plant if not watered thoroughly

4. Jobe’s 01661 Evergreen Fertilizer

Jobes 01661 Evergreen Fertilizer Best Evergreen Fertilizer

Jobe’s product is the time-release fertilizer for Spruces, Junipers, and other evergreen plants. It is easy to use because it has no wasteful runoff, hazards, smells, or mess. In a like manner, it continuous supply the nutrients below the soil surface where the active roots of the trees are growing.

Moreover, it is easy to insert within every tree’s drip line. On the other hand, it has a slow-release formula that lasts all season, and you can use it in late fall and early spring. After the application, the plant looks beautiful, healthy, and spectacular.

If you want to use it, water the soil comprehensively before you sprinkle the fertilizer around the tree’s dripline. Apply one to three spikes depending on the trunk diameter or just one spike in every 3 feet of shrub height. Essentially, this evergreen fertilizer comes pre-measured to offer the correct amount of nutrients to the trees like cypress, juniper, magnolia, and arborvitae.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • No wasteful runoff
  • It has hazards or smells
  • Two applications are required for the entire season
  • It has a good quantity 
  • Provide fast and healthy leaves
Cons
  • Not packaged well
  • Spikes are smaller

5. Scotts Evergreen Continuous Release Fertilizer

Scotts Evergreen Continuous Release Fertilizer Best Evergreen Fertilizer

This evergreen fertilizer from Scotts is unique because it encourages lush foliage and vigorous root growth in shrubs and trees. It has an excellent formula for magnolias, evergreens, hydrangeas, dogwoods, and other acid-loving shrubs and trees like camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons. In all honesty, it is easy to use because you apply it directly to the soil.

Besides, this fertilizer is safe for use because it does not burn the plants when used according to the manufacturer’s direction. One cup can cover about 35 sq. feet during the application, or a half tablespoon per one sq. foot of area. Typically, you need to apply it every two months in the growing season, beginning in the spring. Apply this directly from a bag to the soil within all acid-loving plants.

Pros
  • It encourages lush foliage and vigorous root growth
  • The formula is safe
  • Easy to use
  • It does not burn the plants if used as directed
  • Instructions are straightforward
  • Easy to apply
Cons
  • It has a strong smell

When to apply evergreen fertilizer

Evergreen plants like pines, conifers, and spruces grow in the well-fertilized area from the first planting to five years of maturity. Then they would need a boost when new growth was slow or sparse. Also, if the leaves look unhealthy or yellow, the plant has suffered from diseases or pests.

Since some plants might not benefit from continuous feeding until autumn, evergreen fertilizer will undoubtedly help. From this time of year until the last boost, the plant uses the nutrients for strong root growth to carry them through the cold dormancy months.

All plants are subject to seasonal stages. The drop in temperature in late autumn and winter means they enter the dormancy period. Although evergreen trees remain green, they even experience dormancy during the winter. Any fertilizer used during this time can damage your shrubs or trees because they haven’t woken up well to metabolize it.

Warm season grasses such as centipede, zoysia, and Bermuda grass need to be fertilized 2 to 4 times a year, even before early spring when grass start to grow, and then at the end of the summer Try to fertilize every 6-8 weeks until the summer end.

How to fertilize your plants correctly

Before using evergreen fertilizers, carefully study the application rates. In no case should you exceed these norms because failure to do this can make you burn the roots. 

If for garden plants, a slight overdose may not manifest itself since, with irrigation, excess substances are easily washed into the lower layers of the soil. Then it is difficult to clean the fertilizer for indoor plants, which can burn the roots where excess moisture can rot.

You cannot make root dressings if the soil in the pot is dry. Applying evergreen fertilizer on dry soil can also burn the roots of plants. Plants should be watered before fertilization, and only after they have quenched their thirst can fertilizer be applied. It is better to do this the next day after watering on wet soil.

Indoor plants with a sensitive or underdeveloped root system, such as ferns, kokedama, orchids, small-leaved Carmona, palms, dwarf ficus, and plants of the Bromeliad family should be fertilized very carefully. You can use half the dose indicated on the fertilizer package. Fertilizers can also be applied along with hydrogel.


Conclusion

Evergreen fertilizers are becoming more and more popular due to their odorless application. You can feed the plants very close to the roots. Typically, this ensures the soil close to the roots is fertile and rich in essential nutrients every time.

Go for the above evergreen fertilizers because they have outstanding features. For instance, they have higher phosphorus to potassium ratio, boosting plant growth. Also, they promote strong root systems and increase growth volume and leaf vitality for an extended period because of the timely nitrogen releasing function.

The best-selling product is Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Shrubs and Flowering Trees Evergreen Fertilizer because it has vital micronutrients that make it convenient for use. Likewise, it comes with microbes, which break down the organic matter into nutrients that support root development and strength.

This product has attained the above factors because it has the vital micronutrients that make it easy to use. The microbes break down the organic matter into nutrients to support root development and strength.