Originally published 28 May 2025
Trees and shrubs are the backbone of any garden — whether it's an oak, birch or maple providing summer shade, or a fragrant lilac adding colour to your borders. Just like your lawn or vegetable patch, these larger plants need regular feeding too, and fertiliser spikes are one of the simplest ways to do it.
Why They Need Feeding
In the wild, fallen leaves and organic matter naturally top up the soil. In a tidy, managed garden, we tend to clear all of that away — leaving less for trees and shrubs to draw on.
Without enough nutrients, you'll often see yellowing leaves, slow growth, or sparse flowering — something hydrangeas, magnolias and Japanese acers are particularly prone to. A good feeding routine helps:
• Encourage strong root development
• Support lush foliage and vibrant blooms
• Improve resistance to pests and disease
• Build resilience against drought and harsh winters
Why Spikes Work So Well
Our tree and shrub fertiliser spikes are built for convenience and results. Unlike granular or liquid feeds, which can wash away, cause root burn, or need careful measuring, spikes are:
• Pre-measured — no guesswork required
• Slow-release — nutrients delivered gradually over time
• Tidy and discreet — no mess, no surface disruption
• Root-targeted — placed exactly where roots can absorb the feed
• Weather-resistant — no runoff, even after heavy rain
How and When to Apply
• Apply in early spring and late winter, when plants are gearing up for growth or winding down for dormancy.
• Position the spike roughly halfway between the trunk and the outer edge of the canopy.
• Water the soil well before inserting.
• Using a hammer and flat cap, drive the spike about 2 inches below the surface.
• For larger plants, use several spikes spaced evenly around the root zone.
That's it — the slow-release formula feeds continuously for 8 weeks, so you can spend more time enjoying your garden and less time tending it.
How Often to Feed
For most trees and shrubs, feeding three times a year — early spring, summer and autumn — is enough. Those windows line up with each plant's natural growth cycle, giving it what it needs to put out new shoots and leaves, get through the dry summer months, and store energy ahead of winter.
Good Candidates for Spikes
• Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) — rewards rich soil with fragrant spring blooms
• Hydrangea — a hungry bloomer that benefits from extra nutrients
• Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) — sensitive to poor soil, but rewards good feeding with striking foliage
• Rhododendrons and azaleas — often need extra help in alkaline soil or pots
• Boxwood (Buxus) — regular feeding keeps hedging and topiary looking sharp
Even hardier natives like rowan, crab apple or silver birch will respond well to an annual feed, particularly if newly planted or growing in poorer soil.
Feeding your trees and shrubs doesn't need to be a chore. With a hammer, a handful of spikes and five minutes of your time, you can give the giants of your garden everything they need to thrive through every season. Ready to get started? Explore our full range of fertiliser spikes online or in-store
