5 Best Fertilizer for Dogwood Trees: Vigorous Growth for Your Shrubs


I don’t know about you when I’ve always wondered how trees and plants in their natural habitat flourish to the fullest. Remember, this story is from when I was young. 

Back then, I thought of having a few plants of my own. Needless to say, those plants couldn’t see the light of this world for very long.

Even then, I realized, when a plant or tree is out of its natural habitat, you’ll need to supply those things yourself. Do you see where I’m going? 

Yes, you can’t expect brimful of foliage without having the best dogwood fertilizer. That’s why I handpicked some fertilizers that’d be perfect for your dogwood trees. 

Without any further delay, let’s jump in-

Photo of dogwood tree
Photo by Npage

Comparison of 5 Best Fertilizer for Dogwood Trees 

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
RECOMMENDATION
Scotts Evergreen Flowering Tree & Shrub Continuous Release Plant Food
Type: Slow-release granules

Weight : 3 pounds

Check Price
EDITOR’S CHOICE
TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Dogwood
Type: .Slow-release granules

Weight : 3.3 pounds

Check Price
PREMIUM CHOICH
Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Flowering Trees and Shrubs Continuous Release Plant Food
Type: Slow-release granules

Weight : 8 pounds

Check Price
TOP PICK
Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes
Type: Slow-release spikes

Weight : 12 spikes(3 pounds)

Check Price
BUDGET PICK
Jobe’s 01660 1610 0 Tree Fertilizer Spikes
Type: Slow-release spikes

Weight : 15 spikes(3 pounds)

Check Price

1. Scotts 200910 Evergreen Flowering Tree & Shrub Continuous Release Plant Food

The Scotts 200910 is the perfect solution for shrubs like dogwood. This nutrient-filled fertilizer is useful and easy to use. Simply take it out of the packet, and you can apply it directly on the soil. 

Why a Ponytail Palm Might be dying
Why a Ponytail Palm Might be dying

But there’s a reason why it’s a perfect choice for dogwood trees. These shrubs love acids. With an ideal balance of acids, these trees will thrive. So, giving out natural ingredients is often insufficient for them. 

This fertilizer comes with various types of acids to increase their growth rate and provide more lush colors. With this blend of acid and nutrients, it’s the perfect choice for dogwoods. 

Moreover, the product itself is quite affordable(most affordable one in this bunch). But that doesn’t mean the quantity is less. Using one cup or 9 ounces, you can cover up to 35 square feet. 

And once you apply it, you don’t have to worry about it for the next 2 months. That’s one of the perks of having a slow-release fertilizer. 

However, I’d like to warn you about overfeeding. If you think by using more fertilizer, your plant will thank you. Well, that’s where you’re wrong. Doing this can badly burn the roots of your tree.

2. TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Dogwood

The TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer was specially made for dogwood trees. The ingredients are formulated in a way to promote rapid growth of these trees. 

In fact, TreeHelp fertilizers have a reputation for bringing back almost dead trees. If your tree is on the verge of death, you could try this and see if it works. 

But that’s not the application for this. For optimum growth and lush foliage, this fertilizer works wonders with its nutrient filled ingredients. 

Other than that, it can fight off an insect manifestation effectively. As you already know, dogwood trees often suffer from insects in the barks and branches. 

If the manifestation is on a small scale, you can easily get away with the TreeHelp fertilizer. Otherwise, you’d have to opt for an insecticide. 

One other thing I noticed was how it could revive yellow leaves. I guess I’d have to thank the nitrogen for that. Overall, this is an excellent choice for encouraging growth for your dogwood. 

3. Miracle-gro 3002410 Shake ‘N Feed Flowering Trees and Shrubs Continuous Release Plant Food

Do you have an idea about how microbes are a huge deal in refining the soil quality through minerals? Well, plants in their natural habitat don’t have to worry about that as the ecosystem is there to take care of it. 

However, when you’re growing dogwoods in your yard or a container, you have to do it yourself. Fortunately, Miracle-gro 3002410 does that job for you. 

It comes with a variety of nutrients targeted to optimize the growth of shrubs and trees. The microorganisms in the soil flourish when you take them on a joyride with this fertilizer. 

Moreover, it’s filled with acidic properties. As you already know, dogwood is an acid-loving plant. So, providing it with this fertilizer will boost the growth and make it more accustomed to the surrounding environment. 

4. Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes

Miracle-gro has won the hearts of many avid gardeners with their excellent products in many different segments. This was specially formulated for shrubs and trees such as dogwoods. 

This convenient fertilizer is perfect for a dogwood tree as it releases its nutrients over a long period of time, making maintenance and caring easier than ever. 

The 15-5-10 nourishes the roots every time water the plants. Dogwood plants are in constant need of nitrogen. The N-P-K formula of this with its high nitrogen is an advantage for vigorous growth of the tree. 

But as you can see from the ratio, nitrogen isn’t the only nutrient here. From manganese oxide to ammonium sulfate, it’s filled with tons of nutrients for your acid-loving dogwood.  

I’d suggest you use the fertilizer around the dripping line of the tree for a balanced dosage. Depending on the size of the tree, the usage will vary. So, don’t forget to check out the manual for further instructions. 

5. Jobe’s 01660 1610 0 Tree Fertilizer Spikes

The Jobe’s Tree Fertilizer Spikes will do the job effectively by providing nutrients directly to the roots. It’s a common rule for every plant that you have to take care of the roots. 

As this is the powerhouse that controls the photosynthesis process, the growth of the plant depends on it. However, that’s not the only thing about this fertilizer. 

The most common problem with spikes is the smell they spread. This attracts animals and pests to dig it up and create a mess. But that won’t be an issue because these spikes don’t have any significant smell. 

Simply plant these around the drip line, and the tree will get nourishment throughout the season. 

The Complete Guide to Dogwood Fertilizers 

Is knowing about fertilizer products enough? No. In this competitive world where there are tons of products here and there, you need to know what you should get. Other than that, I’ve also included the A-Z guide for dogwood fertilizers- 

Type 

Dogwood trees thrive if you can get yourself a 12-4-8 fertilizer. From the N-P-K ratio, it’s transparent that this shrub needs nitrogen the most. This goes for any plant. 

You see, nitrogen helps create the basic formation of chlorophyll. As you’ve read in school, this component is an absolute must for photosynthesis. It’s the process leaves use to create food for the plant. 

But don’t get the wrong idea. They also need other micronutrients and elements such as phosphorus and potassium. Even though the amount is significantly lower than nitrogen, you can’t forget about it. 

However, the story doesn’t end here. 

Some people have a nitrogen deficiency in their soil. For those, my suggestion would be to go for nitrogen-filled fertilizers. A good formula would be 16-4-8. 

Ideally, it’d be better if you could do a soil test to find out the components in your ratio. That way, you know exactly what you need to add. 

Otherwise, you’ll notice nitrogen deficiency symptoms such as stunted growth, lighter colors. As soon as you see these symptoms, you know there’s a nitrogen problem. Provide the perfect fertilizer, and your plant will be able have optimum photosynthesis. 

Time 

The perfect time to start using fertilizers is at the beginning of spring. For some colder areas, it can be mid spring. No matter what time it is, if you see new leaves coming out of your tree, you know it’s time to add fertilizers. 

However, it’s better to avoid fertilizing in late spring. Even though the plant might get a little boost in growth. But eventually, it’ll do more harm than good as winter will be approaching. 

After the early spring fertilization, it’s better to use fertilizers again in 3 months. That’s when the growing season will start, and your plant will be needing nutrients. 

You can use chipped wood or pine straw around the tree’s base for this dormant period. This mulch will decompress throughout the winter season, supplying nutrients to your tree. More importantly, it’ll keep the moisture intact and eradicate any kind of weed growth. 

I’d suggest you don’t use freshly cut wood. Make sure those have been cured for at least 6 months to 1 year. One final advice; never put mulch directly against the base of the tree. This leaves a high risk of rotting. 

Quantity 

The quantity mostly depends on the size of the tree. Normally, a massive 5-6 year old tree would require more fertilizer than a new one, right? 

Anyhow, the right quantity would again vary depending on the fertilizer you’re using. For slow-release fertilizers, it’d be wise not to overdose. This is where organic fertilizers rule. Even if you somehow overdose, the plants won’t suffer from any root rot. 

Usage 

Now I’ll discuss where to use fertilizers depending on the age and placement of the tree. Moreover, I’ll show you the proper way of using fertilizers on dogwoods-  

Area of Usage 

New Trees 

New trees don’t have developed roots, making it a bit harder for them to survive. So, you can start out with a fertilizer that focuses on root stimulation. After a while, the root will get set into place and start spreading. 

Other than that, you can use slow-release fertilizers around the tree base. But make sure it’s not too close to the base. And finally, remember to cut down the dosage by half. Young plants almost always suffer from high doses of fertilizers. 

Established Trees 

Bigger trees have their roots deep inside the soil. So, how will the fertilizer reach the roots? 

Here’s the kicker- 

Most of the roots responsible for feeding don’t go that deep. Chances are they’ll stay anywhere around 12-inches of the soil. So, even if you spread the fertilizers on the surface, it’ll be enough. 

However, you should keep in mind that you can’t put fertilizers near the trunk unless you want most of the fertilizer to go to waste. 

Potted Trees 

You need to be extra careful when it comes to potted trees. Personally, I try to go for liquid fertilizers as they limit the chances of root burns. But using organic fertilizers around the drip line should also do the trick. 

Method of Usage 

  • Take ½ cup of fertilizer for every inch of the trunk diameter. If your tree is 5-inch in diameter, you’d need 2.5 cups of fertilizer. 
  • Now take the cup and spread the fertilizer around the tree. 
  • Measure ⅓ of the fertilizer and use it outside the drip line. 
  • After you’re done with spreading, use a sprinkler to water down the fertilizers. 
  • It’s better to use 1-inch water for the fertilizers to get deep into the soil. You can use less water if you’re expecting rain soon. 

Final Thoughts 

So, that’s about it. I hope you’ve got a good idea about fertilizing dogwood trees by now. That was my original goal. What good is the best fertilizer for dogwood trees if you can’t use it properly, right? 

Nonetheless, if you’ve got any other queries, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll figure out the perfect solution for you. Good luck!

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Celina Nance

It’s been a life-long wish of Celina Nance to have a lawn full of colorful flower beds. But living in Arizona city, that seems kind of impossible. But Celina Nance didn’t stop and created a full-form balcony garden instead. And he often shares stuff that he does/solves/innovates throughout the journey.

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