Guaranteed Analysis
Nutrient Breakdown
N · Nitrogen10%
Provides 10% nitrogen (from urea) to support healthy growth, deep green color, and new shoot extension
P · Phosphorus10%
Delivers 10% phosphorus (from diammonium phosphate) to establish and maintain strong root systems and support recovery from transplant stress
K · Potassium10%
Supplies 10% potassium (from muriate of potash) to improve cold hardiness, disease resistance, and drought tolerance
Derived from: Urea, Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), Potassium Chloride (Muriate of Potash), Silicon Dioxide
Overview
What It Is
This 10-10-10 evergreen formula is a custom-blended granular fertilizer produced by Green Mountain Fertilizer. The blend uses urea for nitrogen, diammonium phosphate for phosphorus, and muriate of potash for potassium, with silicon dioxide as carrier.
The balanced 10-10-10 ratio is deliberately moderate. Evergreens do not benefit from high fertilizer concentrations—over-fertilization causes rapid, soft growth vulnerable to winter desiccation, ice damage, and insects. The 10% nitrogen maintains deep green needle color without pushing excessive shoot extension. The 10% phosphorus supports root systems. The 10% potassium is critical for winter survival—it strengthens cell walls, regulates water balance, and directly improves cold hardiness.
Crop Fit
Best For
Pine TreesSpruce TreesFir TreesArborvitaeHollyBoxwoodRhododendronsJunipers
Works across all evergreen species. Pine, spruce, and fir benefit from balanced nutrition for needle retention. Arborvitae and boxwood respond with improved winter hardiness. Holly and rhododendrons use phosphorus for flower and berry production. For acid-loving evergreens, consider supplementing with ammonium sulfate to lower pH.
Application Rates
How Much to Use
| Garden & beds | 1-2 lbs per 100 sq ft for beds and foundation plantings |
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| Lawn | N/A — formulated for evergreen trees and shrubs, not turf |
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| Trees & shrubs | 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter for large trees; 0.5 cups per foot of height for shrubs |
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| Containers | 1 tablespoon per gallon of container soil |
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| Frequency | 1-2 applications per year: primary in early spring as new growth begins, optional second application in early fall |
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Step by Step
How to Apply
1Soil Test
Test soil pH and nutrients. Evergreens prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Adjust pH if needed before fertilizing.
2Spring Application
In early spring as new growth begins, broadcast fertilizer under the canopy starting 6 inches from the trunk out to the drip line.
3Tree Rate
For trees, apply 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter measured at chest height (about 4 feet above ground).
4Shrub Rate
For shrubs, apply 0.5 cups per foot of plant height. Smaller shrubs need proportionally less.
5Incorporate
Rake fertilizer into the soil surface or existing mulch layer to prevent runoff and improve nutrient contact with soil.
6Water In
Water thoroughly after application to dissolve granules and move nutrients into the root zone.
7Optional Fall Dose
Optionally repeat at half the spring rate in early September for northern climates to support winter hardiness. Do not fertilize late fall.
Apply in early spring as buds swell (typically April in northern zones). For trees, apply 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter. For shrubs, apply 0.5 cups per foot of height. For foundation plantings, broadcast 1-2 lbs per 100 sq ft. Keep fertilizer 6+ inches from trunks. Spread out to and beyond the drip line. Avoid fertilizing after late September in cold climates—late nitrogen stimulates tender growth that won't harden off. For Christmas tree farms, apply 200-400 lbs per acre.
Handling & Timing
Safety & Season
Safety & Storage
Wear protective gloves and eye protection during handling. Avoid breathing dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Slightly reactive with oxidizing agents, metals, alkalis, and moisture. Prevent entry to sewers and surface waters. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Seasonal Notes
Spring: Primary application in April as buds swell. Most important feeding of the year. Summer: No additional feeding typically needed. Water deeply during drought. Fall: Optional half-rate in early September for cold hardiness. Do not fertilize after September. Winter: No application. Monitor for winter burn.
In Context
How It Compares
This 10-10-10 provides a balanced approach that Holly-tone (4-3-4) under-delivers and Miracle-Gro Evergreen (30-10-10) over-delivers on. The moderate concentrations are safer for shallow-rooted evergreens than high-analysis fertilizers. Compared to ammonium sulfate (21-0-0), this formula does not significantly lower pH, making it appropriate for evergreens in already-acidic soils.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fertilizer for evergreen trees?
The best fertilizer for evergreen trees provides balanced nutrition with added iron to maintain deep green color. A 10-10-10 NPK ratio delivers equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support healthy foliage growth, strong root systems, and stress resistance. Iron is especially important for evergreens because it boosts chlorophyll production and prevents yellowing. Look for a formula specifically designed for conifers and broadleaf evergreens. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Evergreen Fertilizer 10-10-10 with Iron is formulated specifically for pines, spruces, cedars, arborvitae, hollies, rhododendrons, azaleas, and boxwoods.
When should I fertilize my evergreen trees?
Fertilize evergreens in early spring just before new growth begins, typically late March through April in most regions. A second application can be made in early fall (September) to support root development before winter. Avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter when trees are dormant, as this can stimulate tender new growth that may be damaged by frost. For newly planted evergreens, wait until the second growing season before applying fertilizer to avoid stressing the root system. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Evergreen Fertilizer 10-10-10 with Iron activates quickly when watered in for reliable spring and fall performance.
Why are my evergreens turning yellow?
Yellowing evergreens can indicate several issues, including iron deficiency, nitrogen deficiency, poor drainage, compacted soil, or pH imbalance. Iron chlorosis is one of the most common causes — when soil pH is too high, iron becomes unavailable to the plant even if it is present in the soil. Nitrogen deficiency causes older needles to yellow first. A soil test can help identify the specific problem. Applying a balanced fertilizer with added iron often corrects mild yellowing within a few weeks. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Evergreen Fertilizer 10-10-10 with Iron Sulfate is specifically formulated to prevent yellowing and restore rich, dark green color.
How much fertilizer do evergreen trees need?
As a general guideline, apply 1–2 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter, broadcast evenly under the canopy drip line. For hedges and foundation plantings, use 1–2 pounds per 100 square feet of bed area. For container-grown evergreens, use 1–2 tablespoons per gallon of soil volume. Always water thoroughly after application to move nutrients into the root zone and prevent fertilizer burn. Avoid piling fertilizer against the trunk or stems. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Evergreen Fertilizer 10-10-10 is easy to apply and activates quickly once watered in.
Can I use 10-10-10 fertilizer on all types of evergreens?
Yes, a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer works well on virtually all types of evergreens, including conifers like pines, spruces, firs, and cedars, as well as broadleaf evergreens like hollies, boxwoods, rhododendrons, and azaleas. The equal N-P-K balance supports foliage density, root strength, and overall plant resilience. For acid-loving broadleaf evergreens such as rhododendrons and azaleas, you may also consider pairing it with a soil acidifier. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Evergreen Fertilizer 10-10-10 with Iron is designed to serve all evergreen types with the added benefit of iron for deeper green color.
Does evergreen fertilizer need iron?
Iron is a critical micronutrient for evergreen trees because it is directly involved in chlorophyll production — the pigment responsible for green color. Without adequate iron, evergreens develop chlorosis, where needles or leaves turn yellow while veins may remain green. This is especially common in alkaline soils where iron availability is reduced. Adding iron sulfate to evergreen fertilizer helps ensure plants maintain their signature deep green appearance and supports efficient photosynthesis. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Evergreen Fertilizer 10-10-10 includes iron sulfate to help prevent yellowing and promote vibrant, healthy foliage.
What is the best time to fertilize arborvitae?
The best time to fertilize arborvitae is in early spring (March to April) when the tree is beginning its active growth cycle. A second lighter application can be made in early fall to support root development heading into winter. Avoid late-season fertilizing, which can encourage soft new growth susceptible to winter damage. Spread fertilizer evenly around the base, extending to the drip line, and water deeply afterward. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Evergreen Fertilizer 10-10-10 with Iron provides the balanced nutrition and iron supplementation arborvitae need for dense, healthy foliage all season long.
