Best Food For Trees And Shrubs: 10 Formulas Compared

#1 · Best Overall

1. Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed

• Weight: 8 oz
• Form: Granules

Best for: Season-long flowering plant feeding.

Why it ranks #1: Made for flowering trees, shrubs, and acid-loving plants, it feeds for up to three months and works in ground or containers.

Natural ingredients including kelp, earthworm castings, feather meal, and bone meal feed soil microbes, while continuous-release granules supply plants for up to three months. That combination suits gardeners seeking sustained nutrition for flowering trees and shrubs, with use in both in-ground beds and containers.

The formula is intended for flowering trees, shrubs, and other acid-loving plants, making it a focused choice for those gardenings rather than a universal tree food. Its natural ingredients feed soil microbes, and the three-month continuous release reduces how often you need to reapply during the season. Granules can be used in the ground or in containers, so the same product can serve landscape plantings and potted specimens. The listed benefit is foliage and blooms through the season.

Skip it if you need a stated formula for every tree type; Fertilome Tree and Shrub Food lists all types of trees and shrubs.

Choose it for flowering trees, shrubs, or acid-loving plants when a three-month feeding interval and container compatibility matter. Its listed plant focus is narrower than a general tree-and-shrub formula, so match it to your planting.

Listed on Amazon as: Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed Flowering Trees & Shrubs Plant Food, 8 lb.

#2 · Longest Feed

2. Osmocote Smart-Release

• Weight: 2 lb
• Form: Granules

Best for: Long-interval feeding across plant types.

Why it ranks #2: This broadly compatible granular formula includes 11 essential nutrients and feeds trees and shrubs for up to six months.

Osmocote Smart-Release supplies 11 essential nutrients and feeds live plants for up to six months, extending the interval between applications. It is listed for trees, shrubs, and many other plants indoors or outdoors, including containers, raised beds, and in-ground gardens, making it a versatile option across growing spaces.

The resin-coated granules release nutrition over time, and one application feeds live plants for up to six months. That duration can reduce repeat feeding compared with shorter schedules, while the 11 essential nutrients provide an all-in-one nutrient offering. Use spans trees and shrubs along with houseplants, flowers, vegetables, and roses, indoors or outdoors. Directions specify one scoopful per two gallons of soil or four square feet, mixed into the top three inches and watered regularly, giving clear guidance for beds and containers.

Skip it if you want a formula focused specifically on evergreens; Espoma Evergreen-Tone is listed for needle-leaf and broadleaf evergreens.

Choose Osmocote when a long feeding interval and one formula for indoor and outdoor plantings matter. Its broad plant range suits mixed gardens, but application involves measuring, mixing into soil, and regular watering.

Listed on Amazon as: Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor & Indoor1, 2 lb.

#3 · Multi-Source Nitrogen

3. Nelson NutriStar

• Weight: 4 lb
• Form: Granules

Best for: Extended feeding for foliage plantings.

Why it ranks #3: Designed for trees, shrubs, and evergreens, it uses five nitrogen sources with different time-release characteristics for a sustained feed.

Nelson NutriStar uses five nitrogen sources with different time-release characteristics to provide a constant feed for trees, shrubs, and evergreens. Its granular formula is listed for in-ground plants, containers, and patios, giving gardeners flexibility across landscape beds and potted foliage plantings.

The 21-6-8 analysis supplies nitrogen, phosphate, and soluble potash, while five nitrogen sources with different release characteristics are intended to maintain a constant feed. That formulation is described as supporting foliage from initial planting and over the following period. Granules can be applied around the base of target plants and watered in, with listed use spanning in-ground plantings, containers, and patios. This range suits mixed growing locations, though the product is specifically framed for trees, shrubs, and evergreens.

Skip it if you want a formula listed for virtually all plants; Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus covers indoor and outdoor plantings.

Choose NutriStar for foliage plantings across beds, containers, and patios when multiple nitrogen release characteristics suit your feeding approach. Its stated focus is trees, shrubs, and evergreens, so match it to those plants.

Listed on Amazon as: Nelson – Trees, Shrubs, & Evergreens Plant Food for In-Ground, Containers, & Patios, Granular Fertilizer, NutriStar 21-6-8 (4 lb.)

#4 · Feeder-Root Focus

4. Fertilome Tree and Shrub Food

• Weight: 4 lb
• Form: Granules

Best for: Drip-line feeding without digging.

Why it ranks #4: Its 19-8-10 formula is applied around the drip line, where its stated penetrating action moves food toward feeder roots without digging holes.

Penetrating action moves this granular tree food directly to feeder roots when spread around a tree or shrub’s drip line, eliminating the need to dig holes. Its 19-8-10 formula and twice-yearly feeding directions make it a practical option for gardeners who want a straightforward landscape application.

Apply the granules around the drip line, where the stated penetrating action moves food toward feeder roots; the method avoids digging holes near established plantings. Directions call for feeding trees and shrubs twice a year, giving upkeep a defined schedule. The product is described for all types of trees and shrubs, including shade trees, nut trees, evergreens, and citrus. That broad listed coverage can suit mixed landscapes, while the drip-line method requires distributing granules around each target plant.

Skip it if you prefer liquid feeding; TPS Nutrients Tree and Shrub Fertilizer is a liquid option for landscape and garden use.

A fit for gardeners feeding established trees and shrubs who want drip-line application and a twice-yearly schedule. Plan to spread granules around each plant’s drip line; this is not a liquid-feed format.

Listed on Amazon as: Voluntary Purchasing Group Fertilome 10864 Tree and Shrub Food, 19-8-10, 4-Pound

#5 · Acid-Loving Plants

5. Scotts Evergreen Tree and Shrub Food

• Weight: 3 lb
• Form: Powder

Best for: Acid-loving tree and shrub care.

Why it ranks #5: It targets evergreens and acid-loving trees and shrubs such as dogwoods, hydrangeas, and magnolias, feeding for up to two months.

A continuous-release formula feeds for up to two months and is listed for evergreens, dogwoods, hydrangeas, and magnolias. Apply it directly to soil, then rake it into the top one to three inches so nutrients release toward roots—an appealing routine for gardeners tending these plants.

The formula targets evergreens and many acid-loving trees and shrubs, including dogwoods, hydrangeas, magnolias, azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons. Its feeding lasts up to two months, while the directions specify raking it into the top one to three inches of soil or mulch to release nutrients toward the root system. Apply evenly around plants and avoid concentrating food near the trunk or crown. The stated safety claim applies when used as directed.

Skip it if you want feeding for up to three months; Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed Flowering Trees & Shrubs lists that duration.

Choose this for evergreens and acid-loving landscape plants when a two-month feed and soil-raking application suit your routine. Follow the placement directions, especially keeping fertilizer away from trunks and plant crowns.

Listed on Amazon as: Scotts Evergreen, Flowering Tree & Shrub Continuous Release Plant Food

#6

6. Espoma Evergreen-Tone

• Weight: 7412 g
• Form: Granules

Best for: Organic evergreen and acid-lover care.

Why it ranks #6: This natural and organic 4-3-4 granular fertilizer is specifically for needle-leaf and broadleaf evergreens, including azaleas and camellias.

Espoma Evergreen-Tone combines a 4-3-4 analysis with 5% sulfur and organic ingredients for needle-leaf and broadleaf evergreens. Its listed plants include pine, fir, spruce, juniper, azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias, offering a focused option for gardeners tending evergreen and acid-loving beds.

The granular blend is intended for both planting and feeding, so it can serve new installations as well as established evergreens. Its 4-3-4 analysis and 5% sulfur define the nutrient profile, while the exclusive Bio-tone formula and natural and organic ingredients are additional stated characteristics. The plant list spans needle-leaf evergreens such as pine and spruce and broadleaf choices such as azaleas and camellias. This specific coverage helps target evergreen beds, but does not claim a universal tree-and-shrub use.

Skip it if you need a listed formula for all tree types; Fertilome Tree and Shrub Food is described for all types of trees and shrubs.

A fit for gardeners planting or feeding evergreens and listed acid-loving shrubs who want an organic granular blend. Its stated scope is specialized, so choose it for those plant groups rather than a mixed all-tree landscape.

Listed on Amazon as: Espoma Organic Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 Natural & Organic Fertilizer and Plant Food for Evergreen Trees & Shrubs. 18 lb. Bag. Use for Planting & Feeding to Promote Optimum Growth

#7

7. SimplyGro Fertilizer Spikes

• Weight: 3 lb
• Form: Sticks

Best for: Spike feeding for mixed landscapes.

Why it ranks #7: Its 8-8-8, five-inch spikes suit mixed deciduous, coniferous, flowering, and fruiting trees and shrubs.

Twelve five-inch fertilizer spikes deliver an 8-8-8 balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for trees and shrubs. The formula is listed for deciduous, coniferous, decorative, flowering, and fruiting plants, making this format a fit for gardeners managing a mixed landscape with varied plant types.

The balanced 8-8-8 formula links nitrogen to vigorous growth and rich color, phosphorus to fruiting and flowering, and potassium to strong roots. Its five-inch spike format gives gardeners a placement-based alternative to spreading granules, and the product describes this as a set-it-and-forget-it solution. The listed plant range covers deciduous, coniferous, decorative, flowering, and fruiting trees and shrubs. The package contains 12 spikes, so the supply is a fixed count for the plantings being fed.

Skip it if you need a stated feeding duration; Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed Flowering Trees & Shrubs lists continuous release for up to three months.

A practical format for gardeners with mixed tree and shrub types who prefer spikes over spreading granules. Check that 12 spikes suit the number of plants you intend to feed; the supplied details give no coverage count.

Listed on Amazon as: Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes (12 Spikes – 3.0 Lbs)

#8

8. Ironite Plus Shrubs and Trees

• Weight: 1.4 lb
• Form: Granules

Best for: Iron-supported green growth.

Why it ranks #8: The granular 12-10-10 blend includes 2% iron and secondary and micronutrients for gardeners seeking a tree-and-shrub formula.

A granular 12-10-10 fertilizer with 2% iron pairs fast-acting nutrients with secondary and micronutrients for shrubs and trees. Nitrogen supports lush green growth, while the listed phosphorus benefit is strong roots, colorful flowers, and abundant fruits and vegetables—useful for gardeners seeking broad nutrient support.

The 12-10-10 analysis provides a defined nutrient profile, and the 2% iron is specifically highlighted for plants and greening. Its granular form suits gardeners applying a solid fertilizer, while the description connects nitrogen with lush green growth and phosphorus with root development, flowers, and fruiting. Secondary and micronutrients add to the stated nutrient range. The product is listed for shrubs and trees, but directions say to apply only as directed on the package, so application details should follow its label.

Skip it if you want a stated feeding duration; Scotts Evergreen, Flowering Tree & Shrub Plant Food feeds for up to two months.

A match for tree and shrub growers looking for granular 12-10-10 nutrition with iron and micronutrients. Its listed benefits include green growth and root support; use the package directions for application.

Listed on Amazon as: Ironite Plus Shrubs, Trees Plant Food Granular 12-10-10, 3 Lb

#9

9. Bloom City Tree and Shrub Fertilizer

• Weight: 2 lb
• Form: Liquid

Best for: Liquid feeding for landscape plantings.

Why it ranks #9: This liquid fertilizer is intended for landscape trees, ornamental shrubs, hedges, and foundation plantings, with a focus on roots and foliage.

Bloom City’s 32-ounce liquid fertilizer is formulated for landscape trees and ornamental shrubs, with support for deeper roots and fuller foliage. Its stated uses include hedges, foundation plantings, and backyard trees, giving gardeners with varied outdoor plantings one listed formula for those settings.

The liquid form offers a different application format from granular fertilizers, while the formula is described as balanced nutrition for outdoor plants and steady growth. Its stated support for deeper roots and fuller leaf development connects feeding to both plant structure and canopy appearance. Use cases include hedges, foundation plantings, and backyard trees, so it can suit several landscape zones. The product is made in the USA; the supplied information does not specify a feeding interval or application rate.

Skip it if you need a listed feeding duration; Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus feeds live plants for up to six months.

Choose Bloom City for outdoor landscape trees, hedges, or ornamental shrubs when you want liquid nutrition aimed at roots and foliage. The supplied details do not give a feeding schedule or application rate.

Listed on Amazon as: Bloom City Tree & Shrub Fertilizer – Liquid Plant Food for Stronger Roots, Fuller Foliage & Healthy Landscape Growth, 32 oz

#10

10. TPS Nutrients Tree and Shrub Fertilizer

• Weight: 0.32 kg
• Form: Liquid

Best for: Liquid landscape shrub feeding.

Why it ranks #10: The liquid formula is intended for landscape trees and shrubs, but the supplied details do not state a nutrient analysis or feeding duration.

This liquid tree and shrub food focuses on deeper root development, fuller growth, and vibrant leaf color for home landscapes, ornamental plantings, and foundation shrubs. Its balanced nutrition is described as supporting long-term plant health without overfertilizing or stressing established plants, making it a targeted liquid option.

The liquid form distinguishes this fertilizer from granular choices and suits shoppers seeking a liquid product for landscape and garden use. Its stated benefits include deeper root development, fuller growth, and vibrant leaf color, connecting the feeding goal to both below-ground development and visible foliage. The balanced nutrition is described as supporting long-term plant health without overfertilizing or stressing established plants. The listed use centers on home landscapes, ornamental plantings, and foundation shrubs, rather than a specified range of all plant types.

Skip it if you want a named formula for hedges and backyard trees; Bloom City Tree & Shrub Fertilizer lists those uses.

Consider it for established foundation shrubs and ornamental landscape plantings when liquid application is your preferred format. Its listed benefits center on roots, foliage, and balanced nutrition, so match it to those goals.

Listed on Amazon as: Tree and Shrub Fertilizer, Liquid Plant Food for Fuller Foliage, 8 oz