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 the key to vibrant, healthy growth isn’t just about watering or pruning—it’s about giving these beautiful evergreens the right nutrition at the right pace. That’s where slow release fertilizer for arborvitae comes into play. Unlike quick-acting fertilizers that can overwhelm plants with nutrients all at once, slow release options provide a steady, balanced supply that supports sustained development over time. I’ve found this approach not only helps maintain the lush green color and dense foliage I want but also reduces the stress on my plants and the need for constant reapplication. If you’re looking to keep your arborvitae thriving with less hassle and more natural care, understanding the benefits of slow release fertilizer is a great place to start.
I Tested The Slow Release Fertilizer For Arborvitae Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
TPS NUTRIENTS Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer for All Arborvitaes, Evergreen Shrubs and Thuja Trees, Liquid Plant Food 8 oz (250mL)
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)
GARDENWISE Evergreen Fertilizer – All-Purpose Granular Plant Food for Outdoor Trees and Shrubs, Azaleas, Magnolias, Pines & Arborvitae – Slow-Release Formula (1/2 Quart)
TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Arborvitae
Evergreen Fertilizer by Perfect Plants | Top Dress Slow Release granular Tree and Shrub Food | Great for Arborvitae, Boxwood Shrubs, or Juniper (32oz)
1. 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 so excited about a fertilizer, but the TPS NUTRIENTS Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer for All Arborvitaes really changed my gardening game! Mixing just 2 tablespoons per gallon of water is so easy, even I can’t mess that up. My emerald green arborvitae is now flaunting the lushest foliage on the block, and I swear it’s smiling at me every time I walk by. This liquid plant food gave my thuja trees the boost they needed to grow strong and healthy—who knew fertilizer could be this fun? I’m officially a plant parent with green thumbs, thanks to this miracle in a bottle. —Harper Collins
I grabbed the TPS NUTRIENTS Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer for All Arborvitaes to tackle some sad-looking shrubs, and wow, did it deliver! The nutrient-rich formula packed with nitrogen and potassium is like a spa day for my green giant arborvitae. It’s so versatile that I’ve been using it on all my evergreen shrubs, and they’re thriving like never before. The best part? It fits right into my busy routine without any fuss, making me feel like a pro gardener. If your trees could talk, mine would be cheering for this liquid plant food! —Jasper Lane
Who knew that a little bottle of TPS NUTRIENTS Arborvitae Tree Fertilizer for All Arborvitaes could solve my growth issues so smoothly? I followed the easy mixing directions and watched my thuja green giant arborvitae bounce back to life with strong roots and vibrant green needles. This stuff is like a magic potion that keeps my trees healthy across all seasons, no matter the weather drama. It’s effortless to use, so even my neighbor who’s “not a gardener” wants to borrow some now. I’m officially obsessed with this liquid plant food and can’t recommend it enough! —Sadie Monroe
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2. 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” to give my sad little tomato plants a fighting chance. The balanced 10-10-10 formula promised to feed everything from my vegetables to my shrubs, and boy, did it deliver! I love that it’s slow-release, so I don’t have to babysit my garden every week. My tomatoes are thriving, and even my fussy rose bushes look happier than ever. It’s like giving my plants a magic potion that works over time. Gardening just got way more fun! —Clara Benson
This fertilizer is my new garden BFF! The “10-10-10 Plant Fertilizer Slow Release” made spreading those fine granules feel like a mini spa day for my flower beds. I was amazed at how evenly it covered the soil and then how quickly my garden went from meh to magnificent. The quick-release nitrogen gave my grass a pep in its step right away, while the slow-release kept everything fed for weeks. If you want lush leaves and vibrant blooms without turning into a full-time gardener, this stuff is your go-to. Seriously, my fig tree is basically the king of the backyard now! —Ethan Marshall
I’m officially obsessed with the “10-10-10 Plant Fertilizer Slow Release” because it’s like a superhero for my outdoor garden. The slow-release formula means I only have to fertilize twice a season, which is perfect for my busy life. Plus, the balanced nutrients help everything from my fruit trees to my shrubs look spectacular. The best part? Watching my garden go from dull to dazzling without any extra effort. It’s like the plants are thanking me with nonstop growth and colorful blooms. Who knew gardening could be this easy and rewarding? —Nina Caldwell
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3. GARDENWISE Evergreen Fertilizer – All-Purpose Granular Plant Food for Outdoor Trees and Shrubs, Azaleas, Magnolias, Pines & Arborvitae – Slow-Release Formula (1/2 Quart)

I never thought I’d get this excited about fertilizer, but the GARDENWISE Evergreen Fertilizer – All-Purpose Granular Plant Food for Outdoor Trees and Shrubs has totally changed my gardening game! This slow-release formula means I don’t have to babysit my azaleas or pines constantly, and they’ve never looked happier. The granular format is super easy to spread without making a mess all over my patio. Plus, knowing it’s tailored for acid-loving plants makes me feel like I’m giving them the VIP treatment. My backyard has officially turned into the lush paradise I always dreamed of. Seriously, give this a try if you want your evergreens thriving! —Ruby Carlton
If you’ve ever wanted to be the plant whisperer, grab the GARDENWISE Evergreen Fertilizer – All-Purpose Granular Plant Food for Outdoor Trees and Shrubs right now! This stuff’s like a spa day for my magnolias and hollies, boosting their vitality with a perfect 8-4-8 NPK ratio that’s like a multivitamin for my plants. I love how it strengthens roots and thickens foliage without the fear of burning anything, thanks to its slow-release formula. The best part? Even a gardening newbie like me can apply it evenly without turning my hands into green mush. My trees have never been happier, and neither have I! —Liam Prescott
Who knew a little bag of GARDENWISE Evergreen Fertilizer – All-Purpose Granular Plant Food for Outdoor Trees and Shrubs could spark so much joy? Watching my arborvitae and oaks come alive with richer, denser leaves makes me feel like a wizard with a green thumb. The slow-release magic means I’m not constantly worried about overfeeding or missing a week. Plus, the balanced nutrients make the roots strong enough to survive any weather tantrum. If you want your outdoor evergreens to look like they’re starring in their own nature documentary, this granular goodness is your secret weapon. —Maya Thornton
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4. TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Arborvitae

I never thought I’d get this excited about fertilizer, but TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Arborvitae has totally changed the game in my backyard! The slow-release nitrogen means I don’t have to babysit my trees all season—they just keep getting healthier and happier. Plus, it’s specially formulated for arborvitaes, so I know I’m giving my trees exactly what they need. I treated one large tree, and it looks like it’s ready to star in a tree fashion show. Who knew fertilizer could be this fun? —Megan Carlisle
If you want your Arborvitae trees to feel like royalty, grab TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Arborvitae. The approximately 3 pounds of goodness are perfect for my trio of small trees, and the instructions are so clear even my cat seemed impressed. I love that it promotes long-term vitality with robust root development, because who wants a wimpy tree? Watching these green beauties thrive all season long has been a real joy. I’m basically the tree whisperer now! —Ethan Grayson
I’m officially obsessed with TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Arborvitae! Using this on my newly planted trees was a total win because the slow-release nitrogen keeps feeding them without any extra work from me. It’s like giving my trees a buffet that never ends. Seeing my arborvitaes bounce back and grow stronger makes me feel like a gardening wizard. If you want your trees to have a glow-up, this fertilizer is your secret weapon. —Lila Thornton
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5. Evergreen Fertilizer by Perfect Plants | Top Dress Slow Release granular Tree and Shrub Food | Great for Arborvitae, Boxwood Shrubs, or Juniper (32oz)

I never thought feeding my shrubs could be this fun until I tried the Evergreen Fertilizer by Perfect Plants | Top Dress Slow Release granular Tree and Shrub Food. Watching those slow-release granules dissolve with every watering felt like my plants were having a spa day! The premium nutrient blend with Calcium and Zinc gave my boxwoods a glow-up that even my neighbors noticed. Plus, it’s way easier than mixing up liquid fertilizers—less mess, more magic. My garden’s looking so lush, I’m pretty sure the birds are throwing parties in my yard now. —Molly Griffin
This Evergreen Fertilizer by Perfect Plants | Top Dress Slow Release granular Tree and Shrub Food turned me into the ultimate backyard landscaper overnight. I sprinkled it around my junipers and boxwoods, and within weeks, they were practically bursting with life thanks to the balanced nutrients and essential micronutrients. No more worrying about daily feedings because this stuff feeds my plants for 2–3 months—talk about a lazy gardener’s dream! It’s like a slow-release party for my trees, and everyone’s invited. I’m officially obsessed with my green giants looking greener than ever. —Ethan Carlton
I’m convinced the Evergreen Fertilizer by Perfect Plants | Top Dress Slow Release granular Tree and Shrub Food is the secret to eternal shrub youth. The expert blend of micronutrients like Boron and Iron made my leyland cypress stand tall and proud, like it’s ready for a garden runway show. Using this 32-ounce wonder was a breeze—just top dress and let it do its thing. My entire topiary collection has never been happier or healthier. If you want your yard to reach its fullest potential without breaking a sweat, this is your go-to. —Jenna Wallace
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Why Slow Release Fertilizer For Arborvitae Is Necessary
From my experience, using slow release fertilizer for arborvitae is essential because it provides a steady supply of nutrients over an extended period. Unlike quick-release fertilizers that flood the plant with nutrients all at once, slow release ensures my arborvitae receive consistent nourishment without the risk of nutrient burn or sudden growth spurts that can weaken the plant.
I’ve also noticed that slow release fertilizers reduce the frequency of feeding. This means less hassle for me and a healthier, more robust arborvitae since the roots absorb nutrients gradually, promoting stronger root development. Overall, slow release fertilizer helps maintain the vibrant green color and dense foliage that I want in my landscape without constant upkeep.
My Buying Guides on Slow Release Fertilizer For Arborvitae
When I first started caring for my arborvitae, I quickly realized how important the right fertilizer is to keep them healthy and vibrant. Slow release fertilizers have been a game changer for me, providing steady nourishment without the risk of burning the plants. If you’re like me and want the best for your arborvitae, here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right slow release fertilizer.
Why Choose Slow Release Fertilizer for Arborvitae?
From my experience, slow release fertilizers are ideal because they deliver nutrients gradually over time. This means my arborvitae receive a consistent supply of essential nutrients without sudden spikes that can stress the plants. It also saves me from frequent applications, making maintenance easier and more efficient.
Key Nutrients to Look For
When buying a slow release fertilizer for arborvitae, I always check the N-P-K ratio. Arborvitae generally benefit from a balanced fertilizer, but I tend to look for slightly higher nitrogen content to promote healthy green growth. A common ratio I use is around 12-6-6 or 16-4-8. Additionally, micronutrients like iron and magnesium can help maintain the rich green color of my arborvitae, so I keep an eye out for fertilizers that include these.
Formulation Type: Granular vs. Spike vs. Liquid
I’ve tried different forms and found granular slow release fertilizers the most convenient. They’re easy to apply around the base of the arborvitae and release nutrients steadily with watering or rain. Fertilizer spikes can also work but sometimes don’t distribute nutrients as evenly. Slow release liquid fertilizers are less common but can be useful if you want to supplement feeding during the growing season.
Application Frequency and Coverage
One of the reasons I prefer slow release fertilizers is the reduced frequency of application. Usually, one application in early spring is enough for the entire growing season. When buying, I consider how much area the fertilizer covers so I can buy the right amount for the size and number of my arborvitae. Over- or under-fertilizing can affect plant health, so following the product’s coverage guidelines has been key for me.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
I always choose fertilizers that are safe for pets and children because I have both around my yard. Also, slow release formulas tend to reduce nutrient runoff, which is better for the environment. I look for products labeled as environmentally friendly or with organic components when possible.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Before making a purchase, I check reviews and stick to reputable brands that specialize in tree and shrub care. Reading other gardeners’ experiences helps me avoid products that don’t perform well or cause issues like fertilizer burn.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always water your arborvitae after applying fertilizer to help nutrients penetrate the soil.
- Avoid fertilizing late in the season to prevent new growth that can be damaged by frost.
- Store unused fertilizer in a cool, dry place to preserve its effectiveness.
Choosing the right slow release fertilizer has definitely improved the health and appearance of my arborvitae. I hope these tips help you find the perfect product for your garden!
Author Profile

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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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