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Best Fertilizer For Arborvitae Trees of 2024

Lorin Nielsen
  Mar 28, 2024 8:53 AM

 In this review, the Gilsons Lyceum Reviews Team researched the 11 best fertilizer for arborvitae trees to help you find the product that’s right for you and your garden. You can see some famous brands as Osmocote, AeroGarden, Scotts, Jobe's, Miracle-Gro, Jobes, The Old Farmer's Almanac, Purely Organic Products, TreeHelp.


Overview

A challenging challenge for any gardener, whether you're new to plants or have been gardening for years, is selecting the appropriate nutrients for your arborvitaes.

Even though Arborvitaes don't require a lot of fertilizer, their health can be harmed by poor soil temperature and other environmental factors.

Arborvitae, or Thuja, is a tree endemic to the United States that has an evergreen needle. It's a tree that most gardeners use as a fence or privacy barrier, and it's easy to care for. It's an easy-to-care-for plant with rich, all-year-round, dark green foliage.

Arborvitaes should be fertilized once a year with a slow-release fertilizer, as this releases nutrients gradually over a longer period of time.

The fertilizer's nutrients will aid in the rapid growth of these evergreen trees, resulting in thicker branches and lusher foliage.

Organic, chemical, and multipurpose fertilizers are all included in our top picks, so there's something here for every type of gardener.

Consequently, if you're unsure about which fertilizer to use, keep reading and you may find the answer.


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1
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Osmocote
2
  • SCORE
    9.4
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  • Brand
    AeroGarden
3
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    9.2
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  • Brand
    Scotts
4
  • SCORE
    9.2
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  • Brand
    Jobe's
5
  • SCORE
    9.2
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  • Brand
    Miracle-Gro
6
  • SCORE
    9.2
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  • Brand
    Jobes
7
  • SCORE
    9.2
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  • Brand
    Jobe's
8
  • SCORE
    9.2
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  • Brand
    Miracle-Gro
9
  • SCORE
    9.0
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  • Brand
    The Old Farmer's Almanac
10
  • SCORE
    8.8
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  • Brand
    Purely Organic Products
11
  • SCORE
    8.4
    AI Score

    G Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts (people love working outdoors with people and plants). It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our team based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    TreeHelp

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Best Fertilizer For Arborvitae – When And How

Arborvitae needs the best fertilizer, so make sure you put it where it needs it. Arborvitae can endure and flourish in light shade as well as direct sunlight. For the first five years of their development, they'll require a lot of food, including fertilizer.

It requires fertilizer in addition to the nutrients it receives from the soil. While keeping arborvitae in your garden with other plants and trees, you should locate the finest fertilizer for it because it may develop slower than intended. Early spring is the ideal time to begin fertilizing so that new growth may get a head start.

Types of Fertilizer

The type of fertilizer you should use depends on the soil you're working with. The soil should be examined to see if it is nutrient-rich before you choose the best fertilizer for arborvitaes. Slow release granular fertilizer or a nitrogen fertilizer are the only options for arborvitae trees.

A nitrogen-rich fertilizer is essential to the health of this tree. Using nitrogen fertilizer for your arborvitae is a great way to ensure that it grows and reproduces in the most healthy way possible. Photosynthesis is also aided by the use of this material.

When the leaves begin to yellow and fall, you'll know the soil lacks nutrition. Make a mental note of the chemical analysis on the fertilizer's package before you buy it. There should be nitrogen in the package, and the three numbers might be 10-30-10.

 

Nitrogen is also present in slow-release granular fertilizer. Unlike other nitrogen-releasing fertilizers, this one doesn't release the nitrogen instantly but gradually. Arborvitaes don't need fertilizing as frequently if they are cared for this method instead of the traditional way. For arborvitaes, this is the best fertilizer available.

When to Fertilize Arborvitae?

First, you need to know the optimal time to apply arborvitae fertilizer. The optimum time to fertilize arborvitae is in the spring because this is the time of year when new growths begin to appear.

How to Fertilize Arborvitae?

It's not difficult to fertilize arborvitae. Follow these simple instructions to fertilize your arborvitae.

  • Consult the fertilizer's label for usage instructions.

  • Determine how much fertilizer is needed for each plant and apply it accordingly.

  • Make at least two holes in the plant's drip line.

  • Pre-measured granular fertilizer can be used to fill the holes.

  • The plant should be watered and the holes filled in with soil.

The hole is not necessary if you use arborvitae liquid fertilizer. It's as simple as combining the fertilizer with water and applying it to the plants.

Requirements for Healthy Arborvitae

A well-drained soil is necessary for Arborvitae to thrive. You must plant the evergreen in a medium-moist soil with a fair quantity of sunlight in order for it to thrive. Because of their rapid growth, you should leave at least 3-4 feet between each tree you plant.

Light

In order to thrive, Arborvitae needs a lot of sunlight—at least six hours a day. In cooler climates, it's best to place it near the sun. You can, however, choose a partially-shaded spot if you live in a hot climate. However, avoid placing them in total shade, as this will reduce the density of the foliage.

Water

The arborvitaes need to be watered twice a week for the first few months after planting. You can eventually go down to once a week for the entire year after a while. Aside from that, once the plant is established, you need to water it once a week. Irrigation or rainfall could be the source of the water.

The evergreen must not be overwatered or underwatered. Both can cause needle discoloration and root decay, although only the latter can cause yellowing of the leaves.

Temperature

Cool, dry weather is ideal for these evergreens. Plants can become infected with fungus if they are exposed to a damp environment. As a result, it's critical that you have good air flow. If you live in a region with a lot of wind, keep it away from it.

Soil

Arborvitae, as previously said, is not a fan of excessive wetness. The soil must be well-drained and the pH level must be equal to the surrounding environment. Compost can be applied to the roots of the plant every year in order to retain moisture.

Pruning

Pruning the arborvitae's leaves is necessary to promote healthy growth. If any part of the plant has perished or deteriorated over time, this is even more of a problem. The conical shape of these plants must be preserved at all times. It's best if they're a little more pronounced in their upper half than in their lower half.

Pests

Despite the fact that arborvitae does not commonly succumb to pests and insects, this can happen. Because of fungi, you'll need to remove the contaminated needles and twigs if you find them.

Bagworms and spider mites, on the other hand, may be found on arborvitae leaves and twigs. You must promptly destroy their egg packets by picking them out one by one. Fungicides and other insecticides in limited doses can be used if the condition persists


FAQS

When should I fertilize my emerald Arborvitae?

Your emerald arborvitaes should be fertilized in March to help them have a robust root system.

To make feeding your arborvitaes easier, we recommend using a slow-release fertilizer.

Why does my Arborvitae seem to grow so slowly?

When planting arborvitaes, you should keep them at a distance from other plants so that they don't compete for nutrients in the soil.

The soil should be kept moist during the growing season by following a regular watering schedule. Every year, make sure to feed it with fertilizer to help it thrive.

How Often Should I Water Arborvitae?

When watering an arborvitae, you don't need to over-water, but you also don't want to over-water it. Therefore, a moderate moisturization would be the ideal answer.

This evergreen requires twice-weekly watering in order to get established. A weekly watering schedule after a few months of establishing is perfectly acceptable. Water your established arborvitae at a rate of approximately half an inch to one inch each week.

Should I Use Coffee Grounds for Arborvitae?

It's true, but it's not. Coffee grounds are naturally acidic, so they can be used to boost the acid level in the soil. That is, if your arborvitae's pH level is too high, you can neutralize the soil by adding some coffee grounds.

Having said that, you should be aware that too much coffee grounds will be detrimental to the health of your arborvitae.

How to Thicken the Arborvitae Tree?

Pruning regularly is the best technique to increase the size of arborvitaes. Your evergreen may get thinner if it suffers from nutrient shortage or pest infestation. It's also possible that the lack of sunlight and water is to blame.

Ensure that the plant receives the necessary nutrients. To restore the soil's nutritional content if the pH is too low, you can add fertilizers. Pruning the infected branches and twigs on a regular basis will also encourage thicker growth.


Conclusion

It's possible to develop Arborvitae or Thuja bushes that are quite tall. Known for their conical shape, these trees are commonly employed as windbreaks, privacy screens, and ornamental trees. To thrive, these shrubs need plenty of sunlight, a pH of around 7, and a moderate amount of water.

Every year, you can fertilize the tree to keep it looking its best and encouraging development. Spider mites and other insects will also be kept at bay by using this product.

A potted plant or a small garden will do just fine for these plants. What's going on? Get a bag of these lovely plants to brighten up your home or garden. Additionally, be sure to use the best arborvitae fertilizer to guarantee that it grows to its full potential!


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