Best Organic Fertilizer for Trees: 10 Granules and Spikes for Fruit, Shade and Evergreen Trees

Start with the tree, not the bag. A shade maple, an apple, a citrus and a juniper all want different things from the soil, and a bag labeled for one can leave another short. Identify your tree first, then shop for the blend made for it.

The Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb) covers shade, fruit and ornamental trees. The Down To Earth Fruit Tree 6-2-4 5 lb is for fruit trees and the Down To Earth Citrus Mix 6-3-3 5 lb for citrus and avocados. The Espoma Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 18 lb is for evergreens, and the Jobe's Organics Palm Granular 4 lb is for palms. The Jobe's Organics Fruit and Citrus Spikes 3-5-5 are spikes for a few trees or containers.

We compared 10 products by form, size, NPK and timing, using only listing details. A soil test tells you more than any label, and over-feeding can hurt trees, so follow the directions on the bag.

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On this page

1. Compare Organic Fertilizers for Trees by Form, Size and NPK
2. Detailed Reviews: Best Organic Fertilizer for Trees
3. Do Not Feed Every Tree the Same Blend
4. Follow the Label on Timing and Amount
5. How to Choose an Organic Tree Fertilizer
6. Which Organic Fertilizer Should You Choose?
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Final Verdict

Compare Organic Fertilizers for Trees by Form, Size and NPK

Detailed Reviews: Best Organic Fertilizer for Trees

1. Espoma Organic Tree-Tone 6-3-2 Natural and Organic Fertilizer and Plant Food, 4 lb Bag, Pack of 2 (Best overall organic fertilizer for shade, fruit and ornamental trees)

• 6-3-2NPK
• 5%Calcium
• 2 x 4 lbBags
• Spring and fallTiming

Best for: a mixed yard of shade, fruit and ornamental trees

Why it ranks #1: It names a wide tree range, lists calcium and gives a clear timing and approval statement.

Espoma lists a blend for all shade, fruit and ornamental trees including apple and peach, with a 6-3-2 analysis and 5 percent calcium and no sludge. The listing says it is best used in spring and fall and needs no mixing.

It is approved for organic gardening and registered as an Organic Input Material per the listing. The pack contains two 4 lb bags.

Skip it if you want evergreens; the Espoma Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 18 lb is for needle and broadleaf evergreens.

2. Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fruit Tree 6-2-4, 5 lb (Best organic fertilizer for backyard orchards)

• 6-2-4NPK
• 5 lbBox
• OMRIListed
• CalciumAdded

Best for: apples, pears, plums, cherries, peaches and tropical fruit

Why it ranks #2: It names fruit trees, lists calcium and is OMRI listed.

Down To Earth lists an all-natural 6-2-4 fertilizer listed by OMRI for organic production, with added calcium for fruit development. It names apples, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, pomegranates, mangos and figs.

The listing says it suits all varieties of fruiting canes, shrubs and trees. It is a 5 lb box.

Skip it if you grow citrus; the Down To Earth Citrus Mix 6-3-3 5 lb is a citrus mix.

3. Espoma Organic Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 Natural and Organic Fertilizer for Evergreen Trees and Shrubs, 18 lb Bag (Best organic fertilizer for evergreen trees)

• 4-3-4NPK
• 5%Sulfur
• 18 lbBag
• Twice a yearFeeding

Best for: pine, fir, spruce, juniper, azaleas and rhododendrons

Why it ranks #3: It is the only evergreen-specific blend here and comes in a large bag.

Espoma lists a blend for needle leaf and broadleaf evergreens including pine, fir, spruce and juniper, plus azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias. It has a 4-3-4 analysis with 5 percent sulfur and no sludge.

The listing says most evergreens are best fed twice each year in early spring and late fall, and it is approved for organic gardening.

Skip it if you grow fruit trees; the Down To Earth Fruit Tree 6-2-4 5 lb and Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb) are for fruit.

4. Down to Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Citrus Mix 6-3-3, 5 lb (Best organic fertilizer for citrus and avocados)

• 6-3-3NPK
• 5 lbBox
• Zinc, ironAdded
• OMRIListed

Best for: lemons, limes, oranges and avocados

Why it ranks #4: It lists secondary nutrients and micronutrients that citrus often needs.

Down To Earth lists a 6-3-3 formula listed by OMRI with calcium, sulfur, zinc and iron plus selected micronutrients. It names lemons, limes, oranges and avocados.

The listing says it may be used on other fruit trees, vines and ornamentals. It is a 5 lb box.

Skip it if you grow apples or pears; the Down To Earth Fruit Tree 6-2-4 5 lb is a fruit tree mix.

5. Jobe's Organics Granular Garden Fertilizer for Fruit and Citrus Plants and Trees, 4 lbs Bag (Best budget-style granular for fruit and citrus)

• 3-5-5NPK
• 4 lbBag
• 4-8 weeksApplication
• OMRIListed

Best for: fruit and citrus trees where you want a lower nitrogen blend

Why it ranks #5: It lists a clear schedule and OMRI listing, with a lower nitrogen number.

Jobe’s lists a 4 lb organic 3-5-5 fruit and citrus fertilizer with no synthetic chemicals, OMRI listed. It says the grains are made to avoid wasteful runoff, mess and smells.

The listing says to apply every 4 to 8 weeks or as needed during the growing season.

Skip it if you want higher nitrogen; the Down To Earth Fruit Tree 6-2-4 5 lb and Down To Earth Citrus Mix 6-3-3 5 lb list 6.

6. Jobe's Organics Granular Garden Fertilizer for Fruit and Nut Plants and Trees, 4 lbs Bag (Best organic granular for nut trees)

• 3-5-5NPK
• 4 lbBag
• 4-8 weeksApplication
• OMRIListed

Best for: nut and fruit trees in a home orchard

Why it ranks #6: It is the one product here that names nut trees.

Jobe’s lists a 4 lb organic 3-5-5 fertilizer for fruit and nut plants and trees, with no synthetic chemicals and OMRI listing. The grains are made to avoid wasteful runoff and smells.

The listing says to apply every 4 to 8 weeks or as needed during the growing season.

Skip it if you want fruit and citrus only; the Jobe's Organics Fruit and Citrus Granular 4 lb is a similar blend.

7. Espoma Organic Plant-Tone 5-3-3 Natural and Organic All Purpose Plant Food, 4 lb Bag, Pack of 2 (Best all-purpose organic food that includes trees)

• 5-3-3NPK
• 5%Calcium
• 2 x 4 lbBags
• Spring and fallOn trees

Best for: a mixed garden of trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables

Why it ranks #7: It covers many plant types, but it is not a tree-specific blend.

Espoma lists an organic all-purpose plant food with a 5-3-3 analysis and 5 percent calcium for flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs. The listing says to use it spring and fall on trees and shrubs, and monthly for roses, flowers and vegetables.

It is sold as two 4 lb bags and described as breaking down slowly.

Skip it if you want a tree-specific blend; the Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb) is one.

8. Jobe's Organics Fruit and Citrus Tree Fertilizer Spikes, 3-5-5 Time Release, 6 Spikes per Package (3) (Best spikes for container or small trees)

• 3-5-5NPK
• 18Spikes
• OMRIListed
• BiozomeIncluded

Best for: a few trees or containers where you want pre-measured spikes

Why it ranks #8: It is pre-measured and tidy, but the listing contradicts itself on in-ground and container use.

Jobe’s lists organic spikes with a time-release 3-5-5 formula, OMRI listed, that include Jobe’s Biozome microorganisms. The listing calls them spikes for in-ground trees, while the title says container or indoor fruit trees.

Read the label for placement and spacing. The count is three packages of six spikes.

Skip it if you want granules; the Jobe's Organics Fruit and Citrus Granular 4 lb and Jobe's Organics Fruit and Nut Granular 4 lb are granules.

9. Jobe's Organics Granular Fertilizer, Organic Fertilizer for Palm Trees and Plants, 4 lbs Bag (Best organic granule for palms)

• 4-2-4NPK
• 4 lbBag
• 2-3 monthsApplication
• OMRIListed

Best for: palm trees and palm plants

Why it ranks #9: It is the only palm product here, with a slower schedule.

Jobe’s lists a 4 lb organic 4-2-4 fertilizer for palm trees and plants with no synthetic chemicals, OMRI listed. The listing says to apply every 2 to 3 months or as needed during the growing season.

The grains are made to avoid runoff, mess and smells.

Skip it if you do not grow palms; the Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb) is for shade, fruit and ornamental trees.

10. Organic Plant Magic Truly Organic Slow Release Granular Fertilizer, 4 lb Bag (Best all-purpose granule with a simple routine)

• 4 lbBag
• MonthlySprinkle
• All-purposeUse
• Slow releaseListed

Best for: a mix of trees, veg and houseplants where one bag covers all

Why it ranks #10: It is all-purpose with no NPK numbers in the listing.

The listing says you add the granules to planting holes, mix with soil or top dress by hand or spreader, sprinkling a handful once a month or more and watering as normal. It names flowers, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, shrubs and house plants.

The listing gives no NPK numbers, so check the label before you buy.

Skip it if you want a stated analysis; the Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb) lists 6-3-2.

Do Not Feed Every Tree the Same Blend

Evergreens, fruit trees and palms differ. The Espoma Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 18 lb is made for needle leaf and broadleaf evergreens and lists 5 percent sulfur, while the Down To Earth Fruit Tree 6-2-4 5 lb lists calcium for fruit development. Citrus often wants micronutrients, which the Down To Earth Citrus Mix 6-3-3 5 lb lists as zinc and iron.

An all-purpose product like the Espoma Plant-Tone 5-3-3 (2 x 4 lb) or Organic Plant Magic Granular 4 lb can work in a mixed garden, but it is not tuned to any one tree.

Follow the Label on Timing and Amount

More is not better. The Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb) listing says spring and fall, the Espoma Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 18 lb says early spring and late fall and the Jobe's Organics Fruit and Citrus Granular 4 lb says every 4 to 8 weeks during the growing season. Stick to the amount and timing on your bag, and water in as directed.

Do not feed a stressed or newly planted tree without checking the label, and take a soil test if you are unsure what your tree needs.

How to Choose an Organic Tree Fertilizer

Tree type

Shade and fruit: the Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb). Fruit: the Down To Earth Fruit Tree 6-2-4 5 lb. Citrus: the Down To Earth Citrus Mix 6-3-3 5 lb. Evergreens: the Espoma Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 18 lb. Palms: the Jobe's Organics Palm Granular 4 lb.

NPK

The Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb), Down To Earth Fruit Tree 6-2-4 5 lb and Down To Earth Citrus Mix 6-3-3 5 lb list 6 for nitrogen. The Jobe’s granules like the Jobe's Organics Fruit and Citrus Granular 4 lb list 3-5-5.

Form

Granules like the Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb) are spread. Spikes like the Jobe's Organics Fruit and Citrus Spikes 3-5-5 are pre-measured.

Organic status

The Down To Earth Fruit Tree 6-2-4 5 lb and Jobe's Organics Fruit and Citrus Granular 4 lb list OMRI. The Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb) lists a registered Organic Input Material.

Which Organic Fertilizer Should You Choose?

• If you have shade, fruit and ornamental trees, choose the Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb), because it names all three.
• If you have a home orchard, choose the Down To Earth Fruit Tree 6-2-4 5 lb, because it names apples, pears and plums.
• If you have evergreens, choose the Espoma Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 18 lb, because it is made for them.
• If you grow citrus or avocados, choose the Down To Earth Citrus Mix 6-3-3 5 lb, because it lists zinc and iron.
• If you want a fruit and citrus granule, choose the Jobe's Organics Fruit and Citrus Granular 4 lb, because it lists a 4 to 8 week schedule.
• If you have nut trees, choose the Jobe's Organics Fruit and Nut Granular 4 lb, because it names them.
• If you want one bag for a mixed garden, choose the Espoma Plant-Tone 5-3-3 (2 x 4 lb), because it covers trees, shrubs and flowers.
• If you have a few container trees, choose the Jobe's Organics Fruit and Citrus Spikes 3-5-5, because they are pre-measured spikes.
• If you have palms, choose the Jobe's Organics Palm Granular 4 lb, because it is made for palms.
• If you want one simple routine, choose the Organic Plant Magic Granular 4 lb, because it is all-purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best organic fertilizer for trees?

For most mixed yards, the Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb) is the best pick here, with a 6-3-2 blend for shade, fruit and ornamental trees. For a fruit orchard, the Down To Earth Fruit Tree 6-2-4 5 lb is OMRI listed.

When should I fertilize trees?

It depends on the product. The Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb) lists spring and fall and the Espoma Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 18 lb lists early spring and late fall. Follow the label.

What does NPK mean?

The three numbers are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb) is 6-3-2 and the Jobe's Organics Fruit and Citrus Granular 4 lb is 3-5-5.

Is organic fertilizer better for trees?

It feeds more slowly and builds soil. Organic listings like the Down To Earth Fruit Tree 6-2-4 5 lb are OMRI listed for organic production, but a soil test shows what your tree needs.

Do I need a different fertilizer for evergreens?

Often yes. The Espoma Evergreen-Tone 4-3-4 18 lb is made for evergreens and lists 5 percent sulfur.

Are spikes or granules better?

Spikes like the Jobe's Organics Fruit and Citrus Spikes 3-5-5 are pre-measured. Granules like the Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb) cover a wider root zone. Choose by tree size.

Final Verdict

The Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb) is the best organic fertilizer for trees in this guide. It is a 6-3-2 blend with 5 percent calcium for shade, fruit and ornamental trees, with spring and fall timing. If you have an orchard, the Down To Earth Fruit Tree 6-2-4 5 lb is made for fruit trees. Before you buy, identify your tree, follow the label and consider a soil test.

See the Espoma Tree-Tone 6-3-2 (2 x 4 lb) on Amazon