Fertilizing Young Evergreens in Maine: Timing and Product

White pines and spruces planted a year ago in Maine—when and what to fertilize?

Best Time

Early spring after last frost through mid-July. Spring rains help water in fertilizer.

Product

• High-nitrogen formula: 20-10-10 or similar.
• Small handful per tree, scattered in root zone, watered in.
• Avoid weed-and-feed (herbicide kills trees).

Frequency

Evergreens need little fertilizer unless pushing for hedge/screen growth. Once annually in spring is sufficient.