Marianne's Response
Which fertilizer to use on different trees and bushes?
I need to know which fertilizer to use on each of several different trees and bushes, and how to use it:
Mature pin oaks – some trimmed in March and some not – all lost large branches over the last Ohio winter
Redbud trees – mature
Redbud trees – started from seeds dropped on the ground (less than 6 inches high currently)
Rose of Sharon – mature
Rose of Sharon – started from seeds dropped on the ground (less than 3 inches high currently)
Armstrong Gold Maple – 5-foot tree on the way from the nursery
American Sycamore – 5-foot tree on the way from the nursery
I will buy whatever is best for each plant. Please advise. Thank you.
Posted by Cindy Lillibridge on May 18, 2025
Marianne's Response
Let's keep things simple. Mature trees and shrubs do not need additional fertilizer once established, so just mulch and water the first year. All the plants you mentioned can use the same general-purpose plant food. I recommend a slow-release plant food such as Osmocote. Follow the instructions on the label. For potted trees and shrubs, use half a teaspoon in the spring, adjusting the amount according to the container size. Once these seedlings are transplanted into the ground, I would not fertilize them at all, assuming you have normal soil with some organic matter. I love that you are growing volunteer seedlings of your Rose of Sharon and Redbud. Be sure to keep the soil slightly moist, but not wet, and with good drainage. It sounds like you'll have a beautiful garden soon. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti