arborvitae fertilizer
Rachel Fowler
Updated on July 01, 2026
Best Fertilizer For Arborvitae
We recommend using slow release fertilizer that has 50% nitrogen and has a high first number, like a 12-6-4 or 10-8-6 mixture. Granualized fertilizer works the best because it helps prevent the roots from burning and allow you to only fertilize once per year.
Is Miracle Gro good for Arborvitaes?
Answer: Miracle-Gro Miracid Plant Food is designed to be used for acid-loving plants such as hydrangeas, azaleas, and rhododendrons; it is not appropriate for evergreens such as arborvitae.
What is the best fertilizer for evergreens?
A “complete” fertilizer — one that supplies the macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) — is often recommended. A fertilizer analysis of 10-8-15 means the fertilizer has 10 percent nitrogen, 8 percent phosphorous, and 15 percent potassium.
Should I fertilize my Emerald Green Arborvitae?
Beloved for their fast growth, arborvitae – especially those planted near other trees or in hedges – often require fertilizer to thrive. It isn’t difficult to begin fertilizing arborvitae.
How do you make arborvitae greener?
Arborvitae plants thrive best when planted in acidic soil. Many areas feature clay-based soil that is not ideal for this kind of plant. What is this? If you have soil that isn’t acidic enough, you’ll need to prepare it by adding nutrients in the form of fertilizer before planting and growing.
Do arborvitae trees need fertilizer?
It is recommended by most gardeners to fertilize arborvitaes once a year by choosing a slow-release fertilizer to gradually release the nutrients for an extended time. The nutrients from the fertilizer will help these evergreen trees to grow faster with strong branches and green foliage.
Why are my arborvitae turning brown in the middle?
Answer: The browning of the inner foliage is probably due to seasonal needle drop. It’s normal for evergreens (pine, spruce, fir, juniper, arborvitae, etc.) to shed their oldest (innermost) needles in fall. The innermost needles gradually turn yellow or brown and drop to the ground.
How do you keep evergreens healthy?
For evergreens to withstand harsh winter or drought conditions, soil moisture should be maintained. You can slow evaporation from the soil by mulching with coarse wood chips or shredded bark within the dripline. You can mix organic matter, such as compost, with mulch to add nutrients.
Can you use Miracle Grow on evergreens?
Miracle-Gro® also has tree spikes specially formulated for evergreens and fruit and citrus trees. With all of these plant foods, you’ll find the directions on the package label—so be sure to follow them!
Is bone meal good for evergreens?
Evergreen Nitrogen Requirements
Both natural and synthetic fertilizers provide nutrients to evergreens. Natural fertilizers such as compost, bone meal, and manure release nutrients more slowly than synthetic fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate. Natural fertilizers, however, may improve soil structure.
How do you keep arborvitae healthy?
Arborvitae Tree
A dense, narrow, evergreen shrub or small tree, arborvitae makes a wonderful privacy screen and windbreak. Tree pruning, watering, and using arborvitae tree fertilizer on a regular basis will keep your arborvitae tree as healthy as possible.
Are coffee grounds good for arborvitae?
Are Coffee Grounds Good For Arborvitae? If you want to try adding coffee grounds to your arborvitae trees soil, we recommend against it. Although arborvitae enjoys slightly acidic soil, adding coffee grounds can alter your plant’s pH balance, causing root and growth issues.
Why are my arborvitae turning brown and dying?
Most often, arborvitae trees brown and die due to either over-saturated soil or extreme drop in temperature. Another potential reason for your tree dying could be due to not having enough sunlight. Each tree is different, but arborvitae generally doesn’t do well in extremely cold or overly shaded environments.
Can Brown arborvitae be saved?
Brown arborvitae can be saved from conditions that cause it to brown, but it usually doesn’t change back to the healthy green it once was. That doesn’t mean the entire tree can’t be saved, however.
Is lime good for arborvitae?
The optimal pH for arborvitae is 6.8 to 7.2, according to the University of Texas at Austin. However, many members of the species will tolerate a pH range from acidic to alkaline, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Highly acidic soils can be neutralized to the desired pH with lime or dolomite.