Question
HI, I HAVE 20 ARBORVITAE TECHNY'S THAT WAS JUST PLANTED(NOVEMER).  THE LANDSCAPING COMPANY THAT PLANTED THEM TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR THEM IF I FERTILIZED THEM WITH MIRACLE-GRO. SO I DID A FEW DAYS AFTER THEY WAS PLANTED.  THEN I WAS TOLD FROM SOMEONE THAT WORKS AT A NURSERY DO NOT PUT MIRACLE-GRO ON THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE GOING INTO THERE DORMANT SEASON, ONLY USE ROOT STIMULATOR AT THIS TIME.  PLS LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THIS.  THANKS.  JULIE MANN

Answer
Julie,

Your nursery guy is correct- putting a high nitrogen fertilizer like Miracle-gro at this time of year may stimulate top growth late in the season. This new growth would not have enough time to harden off before the cold temperatures set in, leading to forst damage and eventual dieback of the foliage. I normally recommend no fertilizers be applied to plants for at least 6 months after being planted. Root stimulators contain high amounts of micro nutrients and potassium and phosphorus which help to stimulate root growth through the winter.

Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen