First-Year Shrub Fertilization: Boxwood, Azalea, Juniper, Spruce, Japanese Maple

New shrubs benefit from one early-spring feeding to establish quickly.

Timing

• Apply at or just before bud-break (soil >40°F).
• Don't delay—spring window is short.

Plant-Specific Formulas

• Azalea: Acidifying fertilizer (Espoma Holly-tone or Miracle-Gro Azalea 8-4-4).
• Others: General shrub/tree formula (e.g., Scotts 11-7-7). Granular > spikes.

Method

• Pull back mulch, scatter granules, replace mulch, water in.
• One spring application only—no fall feeding for new plants.