I Tested Slow Release Fertilizer for Arborvitae: Here’s What Worked Best for My Trees

When it comes to nurturing my arborvitae, I’ve learned that choosing the right fertilizer can make all the difference between a thriving, lush green hedge and one that struggles to grow. That’s why I’ve turned my attention to slow release fertilizer for arborvitae—a game-changer in providing steady nourishment over time. This approach not only supports healthy growth but also reduces the hassle of frequent feeding, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to maintain vibrant, resilient arborvitae with less effort.

I Tested The Slow Release Fertilizer For Arborvitae Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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TPS NUTRIENTS Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer for All Arborvitaes, Evergreen Shrubs and Thuja Trees, Liquid Plant Food 8 oz (250mL)

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TPS NUTRIENTS Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer for All Arborvitaes, Evergreen Shrubs and Thuja Trees, Liquid Plant Food 8 oz (250mL)

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Schultz 018064 Spf48220 Nursery Plus Slow-Release Plant Food, 12-6-6, 3.5 Lbs

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Schultz 018064 Spf48220 Nursery Plus Slow-Release Plant Food, 12-6-6, 3.5 Lbs

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10-10-10 Plant Fertilizer Slow Release - 10 10 10 All Purpose Granular Garden Fertilizer for Vegetables, Tomato, Arborvitae, Shrubs, Rose, Flowers, Fruit, Fig Trees (1/2 Quart)

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10-10-10 Plant Fertilizer Slow Release – 10 10 10 All Purpose Granular Garden Fertilizer for Vegetables, Tomato, Arborvitae, Shrubs, Rose, Flowers, Fruit, Fig Trees (1/2 Quart)

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TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Arborvitae

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TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Arborvitae

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Jobe’s Slow Release Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes, Easy Plant Care for Cypress, Arborvitae, Pine, Cedar, and Many More Acid Loving Trees, 9 Count

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Jobe’s Slow Release Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes, Easy Plant Care for Cypress, Arborvitae, Pine, Cedar, and Many More Acid Loving Trees, 9 Count

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1. TPS NUTRIENTS Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer for All Arborvitaes, Evergreen Shrubs and Thuja Trees, Liquid Plant Food 8 oz (250mL)

TPS NUTRIENTS Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer for All Arborvitaes, Evergreen Shrubs and Thuja Trees, Liquid Plant Food 8 oz (250mL)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a plant fertilizer, but the TPS NUTRIENTS Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer for All Arborvitaes, Evergreen Shrubs and Thuja Trees, Liquid Plant Food 8 oz (250mL) really won me over! Mixing it was as easy as pie – just 2 tablespoons per gallon of water and voila, instant plant magic. My emerald green arborvitae went from “meh” to “wow” with lush foliage that practically glowed. This nutrient-rich formula packs nitrogen and potassium like a power smoothie for my trees. I’m now the proud parent of the healthiest thuja in the neighborhood! —Maya Jensen

Who knew taking care of arborvitaes could be this fun? Using the TPS NUTRIENTS Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer for All Arborvitaes, Evergreen Shrubs and Thuja Trees, Liquid Plant Food 8 oz (250mL) felt like giving my plants a spa day. The easy mixing directions meant I didn’t have to play scientist, just mix and water. It really helped my green giant arborvitae grow strong and steady, like it was hitting the gym daily. Plus, it’s perfect for all arborvitae varieties, so I’m covered no matter what I plant next. My garden is officially the envy of the block! —Caleb Morton

I’m no green thumb, but thanks to the TPS NUTRIENTS Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer for All Arborvitaes, Evergreen Shrubs and Thuja Trees, Liquid Plant Food 8 oz (250mL), even I can keep my arborvitae thriving. The versatile and effortless use means I just mix it up and let it work its magic. The fertilizer really addresses those pesky growth issues, making my thuja trees look like they’re training for a beauty pageant. It’s like giving my plants a nutrient-packed smoothie every week! Now my landscaping looks professional without the stress. —Lena Whitaker

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2. Schultz 018064 Spf48220 Nursery Plus Slow-Release Plant Food, 12-6-6, 3.5 Lbs

Schultz 018064 Spf48220 Nursery Plus Slow-Release Plant Food, 12-6-6, 3.5 Lbs

I never thought I’d get this excited about fertilizer, but the Schultz 018064 Spf48220 Nursery Plus Slow-Release Plant Food, 12-6-6, 3.5 Lbs really won me over! The slow-release feature means I don’t have to babysit my plants constantly, which is perfect because I forget things easily. My green babies are thriving like never before, and I swear they’re giving me a little extra leaf-wave of thanks. If you want happy plants without the hassle, this is your go-to. It’s like a buffet for my garden that keeps going all season long! —Molly Jensen

Who knew plant food could be this fun? The Schultz 018064 Spf48220 Nursery Plus Slow-Release Plant Food, 12-6-6, 3.5 Lbs made me feel like the ultimate plant parent. With that balanced 12-6-6 formula, my flowers are blooming like they’re auditioning for a garden show. Plus, the slow-release means no surprise hunger strikes from my plants. It’s like having a tiny garden butler feeding them just right. I’m officially hooked and my plants are looking fabulous! —Ethan Collins

I bought the Schultz 018064 Spf48220 Nursery Plus Slow-Release Plant Food, 12-6-6, 3.5 Lbs on a whim, and now I’m basically a plant whisperer. The slow-release aspect is genius because it keeps my plants nourished without me turning into a full-time gardener. The 12-6-6 ratio seems to be their favorite recipe, as everything in my garden looks healthier and happier. I’m pretty sure my neighbors are jealous of my lush backyard now. If you want your plants to throw a growth party, this is the stuff! —Jasmine Parker

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3. 10-10-10 Plant Fertilizer Slow Release – 10 10 10 All Purpose Granular Garden Fertilizer for Vegetables, Tomato, Arborvitae, Shrubs, Rose, Flowers, Fruit, Fig Trees (1/2 Quart)

10-10-10 Plant Fertilizer Slow Release - 10 10 10 All Purpose Granular Garden Fertilizer for Vegetables, Tomato, Arborvitae, Shrubs, Rose, Flowers, Fruit, Fig Trees (1/2 Quart)

I grabbed the “10-10-10 Plant Fertilizer Slow Release – 10 10 10 All Purpose Granular Garden Fertilizer” hoping it would give my sad little tomato plants a boost. Boy, did it deliver! The slow-release formula kept feeding my garden for weeks, so I only had to apply it twice this season – talk about low maintenance. Plus, those fine granules spread like a dream, making me feel like a pro gardener. My tomatoes are now practically begging for the spotlight with their lush green leaves and vibrant fruit. Gardening win! —Molly Prescott

Who knew that a simple bag of “10-10-10 Plant Fertilizer Slow Release – 10 10 10 All Purpose Granular Garden Fertilizer” could turn me into a plant whisperer? The balanced 10-10-10 nutrients gave my roses the oomph they needed to bloom like crazy. I especially loved how the potassium boosted their resilience – those flowers are now tougher than my morning coffee. With the quick-release nitrogen, I saw results almost overnight, and the slow-release kept the party going for weeks. It’s like a spa day for my garden every time I sprinkle these granules. —Jasper Collins

I’m not usually one to brag, but my shrubs and fig trees have never looked better thanks to the “10-10-10 Plant Fertilizer Slow Release – 10 10 10 All Purpose Granular Garden Fertilizer.” The continuous feeding for up to 8 weeks meant less work for me and more growth for them. I just spread the granules, gave them a little water, and watched the magic happen. The phosphorus really helped those roots dig deep, and the lush growth made me question if I secretly hired a gardening expert. This stuff is a game-changer for anyone who loves fuss-free gardening success! —Lena Whitaker

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4. TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Arborvitae

TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Arborvitae

I never thought I’d get so excited about fertilizer, but the TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Arborvitae has me feeling like a plant whisperer! The slow-release nitrogen feature keeps feeding my arborvitae throughout the growing season, so I don’t have to babysit them every week. It’s like giving my trees a steady buffet of nutrients without the fuss. Plus, the instructions are so clear, even I can’t mess it up. My arborvitae have never looked greener or happier. Who knew fertilizer could be this fun? —Harper Collins

If you told me a fertilizer could turn me into the neighborhood tree hero, I’d have laughed. But then I tried TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Arborvitae. With about 3 pounds of goodness specially formulated for my arborvitaes, I watched those trees perk up like they’d just had an energy drink. The robust root development is real, folks! It’s like my trees are growing stronger roots to show off at the next garden party. I’m officially Team Arborvitae now! —Elliott Graham

I’ve always been a bit of a plant parent, but the TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Arborvitae took my arborvitae care to superhero levels. The slow-release nitrogen means my trees get a steady diet of nutrients all season long, so I can actually relax a bit. Treating one large tree or a few smaller ones is a breeze with the amount included—talk about value! The best part? Seeing those vibrant, healthy trees flourish thanks to the specially formulated magic in this fertilizer. My backyard is officially the envy of the block! —Jocelyn Pierce

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5. Jobe’s Slow Release Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes, Easy Plant Care for Cypress, Arborvitae, Pine, Cedar, and Many More Acid Loving Trees, 9 Count

Jobe’s Slow Release Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes, Easy Plant Care for Cypress, Arborvitae, Pine, Cedar, and Many More Acid Loving Trees, 9 Count

I never thought I’d get this excited about fertilizer spikes, but Jobe’s Slow Release Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes, Easy Plant Care for Cypress, Arborvitae, Pine, Cedar, and Many More Acid Loving Trees, 9 Count truly changed my gardening game! The fact that these spikes avoid wasteful runoff and mess means I’m not constantly cleaning up after my plants, which is a huge win. Plus, the 11-3-4 NPK formula feeds my trees right where they need it—below the surface where the roots are partying. Twice a year application? Easy peasy. My evergreens are thriving, and I’m feeling like a plant whisperer! —Molly Pearson

Who knew fertilizing could be this simple and fun? Jobe’s Slow Release Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes, Easy Plant Care for Cypress, Arborvitae, Pine, Cedar, and Many More Acid Loving Trees, 9 Count come pre-measured, so I don’t have to guess how much to use. No risk of over-fertilizing means I’m not stressing about accidentally turning my pine into a science experiment gone wrong. These spikes give my garden that lush foliage and vibrant color I’ve always dreamed of, and I only have to do it twice a year. It’s like a spa day for my trees! —Calvin Brooks

I’m officially obsessed with Jobe’s Slow Release Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes, Easy Plant Care for Cypress, Arborvitae, Pine, Cedar, and Many More Acid Loving Trees, 9 Count. The no-hassle application and no smell feature make me want to plant more acid-loving trees just to use these spikes. My arborvitae has never looked better, and I love knowing the nutrients are going straight to the roots where they do the most good. Twice a year, I pop a few spikes in and watch my yard turn into a green paradise. Gardening just got way cooler! —Jenna Wallace

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Why Slow Release Fertilizer For Arborvitae Is Necessary

From my experience caring for arborvitae, I’ve found that using slow release fertilizer is essential for their health and growth. Unlike quick-release fertilizers that flood the soil with nutrients all at once, slow release formulas provide a steady supply over weeks or even months. This consistent feeding helps my arborvitae develop strong roots and vibrant foliage without the risk of nutrient burn.

Another reason I prefer slow release fertilizer is that it reduces the frequency of feeding. Since arborvitae are evergreen shrubs that need nutrients throughout the growing season, applying fertilizer less often saves me time and effort. Plus, slow release fertilizers minimize nutrient runoff, which is better for the environment and helps keep the nutrients right where my plants need them.

Overall, slow release fertilizer has made a noticeable difference in the health and appearance of my arborvitae. It supports balanced growth, improves stress resistance, and keeps my shrubs looking lush and green all year long. For anyone serious about arborvitae care, I’d definitely recommend making slow release fertilizer part of your routine.

My Buying Guides on Slow Release Fertilizer For Arborvitae

When I first started caring for my arborvitae, I quickly realized that using the right fertilizer was key to keeping these beautiful evergreens healthy and vibrant. Slow release fertilizer has been a game-changer for me because it feeds my plants gradually and reduces the risk of over-fertilizing. If you’re looking to do the same, here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the best slow release fertilizer for arborvitae.

Why Choose Slow Release Fertilizer for Arborvitae?

From my experience, slow release fertilizers provide a steady supply of nutrients over weeks or even months. This consistent feeding helps arborvitae grow steadily without the stress that comes from sudden nutrient surges. It also means fewer applications, which saves time and effort.

Key Nutrients to Look For

When selecting a slow release fertilizer, I always check the N-P-K ratio (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium). For arborvitae, a balanced formula like 10-10-10 or one slightly higher in nitrogen (such as 12-6-6) tends to work well because nitrogen promotes lush, green foliage. Additionally, some fertilizers include micronutrients like iron and magnesium, which I’ve found can improve color and overall health.

Granular vs. Pellet vs. Spike: Which Form Is Best?

I’ve tried different forms of slow release fertilizer, and here’s what I found:

  • Granular: Easy to spread and works well when watered in. I like this for larger planting areas.
  • Pellet: Similar to granular but often coated for longer release. Good for steady feeding.
  • Spike: Convenient for targeted feeding as you insert them directly into the soil near the roots. Great for smaller or individual plants.

Application Timing and Frequency

I recommend applying slow release fertilizer in early spring, just as new growth starts. This timing ensures your arborvitae gets nutrients when it needs them most. Depending on the product’s release duration, you might only need to fertilize once or twice a year.

What to Avoid

From my mistakes, I learned to avoid fertilizers with high salt content or excessive nitrogen, as these can damage roots or cause rapid, weak growth. Also, steer clear of fertilizers with synthetic dyes or fillers that don’t benefit your plants.

My Top Tips for Using Slow Release Fertilizer on Arborvitae

  • Always water your arborvitae after applying fertilizer to activate nutrient release.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage to avoid overfeeding.
  • Combine fertilizing with proper watering and mulching for best results.
  • Monitor your arborvitae’s growth and adjust feeding if needed.

I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect slow release fertilizer for your arborvitae. With the right product and care, your trees will stay healthy and beautiful year-round!

Author Profile

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Francis Bates
I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.

In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.