Fertilizer spikes and liquid fertilizer both work, but they suit different situations: spikes release nutrients slowly over several months from a single application, while liquid fertilizer acts faster but needs to be reapplied much more often.

How Long Do Fertilizer Spikes Keep Feeding a Tree?

TreeHelp Complete Palm Fertilizer Spikes keep feeding a tree from a single application for up to 12 months, hammered into the ground around the tree or inserted through pre-drilled holes and then watered in. Dosage is based on trunk diameter, ranging from 2 spikes for a 6-inch trunk up to 10 spikes for an 18-inch trunk.

How Does Liquid Fertilizer Compare in Speed and Frequency?

Liquid fertilizer, based on general horticultural practice rather than a TreeHelp-specific product since TreeHelp doesn't currently sell one, is absorbed by roots faster than a slow-release spike, making nutrients available within days rather than months. That speed comes at the cost of frequency, since liquid feeding is typically reapplied every few weeks through the growing season rather than once per season.

Which Soil Conditions Favor One Over the Other?

Sandy soil favors spikes over liquid fertilizer, since nutrients tend to leach away quickly near the surface in sandy conditions, while a spike places its slow-release nutrients down at root depth where they're less exposed to runoff. In denser, more nutrient-retentive soil, the faster availability of liquid fertilizer has less of that leaching drawback working against it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do fertilizer spikes work for potted trees?

Yes. Potted trees typically need only 1 to 2 spikes, compared to the higher counts used for larger trees planted in the ground.

Is a soil auger required to apply fertilizer spikes?

No. Spikes can be hammered directly into the ground and watered in, though using a soil auger to pre-drill holes first also aerates the soil around the roots.

Does a stressed or newly planted tree need more fertilizer spikes than a healthy one?

Yes. Stressed trees may need additional spikes beyond the standard dosage chart to support recovery.

How much do TreeHelp Complete Palm Fertilizer Spikes cost?

$17.95 for a case of 10 spikes