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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Shade Trees Fertilizer
High-nitrogen 20-10-10 shade tree fertilizer for containers. Feeding guide for 18 shade tree species from Old Cobblers Farm.
Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Shade Trees Fertilizer
Old Cobblers Farm™ Shade Tree Fertilizer is a high-nitrogen 20-10-10 formula for container-grown shade trees. Shade trees are valued primarily for their canopy — dense leaf coverage that provides cooling and visual impact. The 20% nitrogen directly fuels that canopy development.
Container shade trees need more aggressive nitrogen feeding than in-ground trees because their limited soil volume depletes nitrogen quickly through watering and root uptake.
NPK
20-10-10
Type
Non-Organic
Derived From
Urea, Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP), Muriate of Potash (MOP), Pelletized Lime
Best For
Red Maple|River Birch|Tulip Tree|American Sycamore|Littleleaf Linden|Hackberry|Eastern Redbud|Bald Cypress|Hornbeam|Weeping Willow|Elm|Zelkova|Catalpa|Sassafras|Sweetgum|Kentucky Coffeetree|Osage Orange|Black Locust
Brand
Wicked Growth
NPK Breakdown
N
20
20% Nitrogen drives vigorous canopy development and deep green leaves
P
10
10% Phosphorus supports root establishment and branch structure
K
10
10% Potassium enhances stress tolerance and overall tree resilience
What Is It ?
Old Cobblers Farm Wicked Growth Shade Tree Fertilizer (20-10-10 NPK) is engineered with a powerful high-nitrogen formula to drive vigorous canopy development, deep green leaves, and robust branch structure. Designed for container-grown shade trees on patios, courtyards, or entryways, this fertilizer supports long-term strength and graceful stature even in confined spaces. The 2:1:1 nitrogen-heavy ratio fuels the dense foliage that makes shade trees desirable while maintaining root health and stress tolerance.
When To Apply ?
Small containers (up to 5 gal): 1 tbsp. Medium containers (6-10 gal): 2 tbsp. Large containers (11-20 gal): 3 tbsp. XL containers (over 20 gal): ¼ cup. Apply every 4-6 weeks during growing season (spring through late summer). Reduce or pause during dormant season (fall-winter).
How to Apply ?
1.
Pre-Moisten
Moisten soil thoroughly the day before application to prepare the root zone for nutrient uptake.
2.
Apply
Sprinkle fertilizer evenly around the tree, staying at least 2 inches away from the trunk.
3.
Incorporate
Lightly mix into the top inch of soil using a rake or hand cultivator.
4.
Water In
Water deeply to release nutrients into the root zone. Shade tree roots extend well beyond the canopy.
5.
6.
7
Incorporate
Lightly mix into the top inch of soil using a rake or hand cultivator.
How To Store
Store in a cool, dry place. Wear gloves during application. Keep fertilizer away from trunk to prevent bark burn. Ensure adequate container drainage.
FAQs
1.
What is the best fertilizer for shade trees?
The best fertilizer for shade trees provides balanced nutrition that supports canopy development, root health, and overall tree vigor without overstimulating rapid, weak growth. A balanced NPK formula works well for most deciduous shade trees including maples, oaks, elms, lindens, and ash. The goal is steady, sustainable growth that produces strong wood and dense canopy coverage. Trees in compacted or nutrient-depleted urban soils benefit especially from regular fertilization. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Shade Trees Fertilizer delivers the complete nutrition shade trees need for healthy, long-lived growth.
2.
When should I fertilize shade trees?
Fertilize shade trees in early spring before bud break, when trees are preparing for their major growth push. A second application can be made in early fall to support root growth before winter dormancy. Avoid fertilizing in late summer, as this can stimulate tender new growth that will not harden off before frost. Newly planted trees should not be fertilized in the first year — allow the root system to establish naturally. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Shade Trees Fertilizer is designed for spring and fall applications that align with the tree's natural growth cycle.
3.
How much fertilizer does a shade tree need?
Apply 1–2 pounds of fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter, measured at about 4 feet above ground (DBH). Spread the fertilizer evenly under the canopy drip line, extending slightly beyond where the branch tips end. Avoid piling fertilizer against the trunk. For large trees with canopies that extend over lawn areas, broadcast fertilizer evenly across the entire root zone. Water deeply after application. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Shade Trees Fertilizer provides the right nutrient density for effective feeding of shade trees from saplings to mature specimens.
4.
How do I fertilize a large mature tree?
For large mature trees, calculate the fertilizer amount based on trunk diameter (1–2 pounds per inch of DBH). Broadcast the fertilizer evenly across the entire root zone, which typically extends well beyond the drip line. For best results in compacted soils, consider using a root feeder or drilling holes 6–12 inches deep on 2-foot centers throughout the root zone and distributing the fertilizer into the holes. Water thoroughly after application to move nutrients into the root zone. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Shade Trees Fertilizer works with both surface broadcasting and deep root feeding methods.
5.
Do shade trees really need fertilizer?
In natural forest settings, trees recycle nutrients from fallen leaves and decomposing organic matter. In urban and suburban landscapes, leaves are raked away, soil is compacted, and trees compete with lawns and other plantings for nutrients. This makes supplemental fertilization important for maintaining shade tree health, especially in established neighborhoods where soil nutrients have been depleted over decades. Signs a tree needs fertilizer include pale leaves, sparse canopy, short twig growth, and declining vigor. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Shade Trees Fertilizer replenishes the nutrients landscape trees need for strong, healthy growth.
6.
What shade trees benefit most from fertilizer?
Fast-growing shade trees like red maples, silver maples, tulip poplars, and river birches have higher nutrient demands and respond dramatically to fertilization. Moderate feeders include oaks, elms, lindens, and sweetgums. Slower-growing species like beeches and hornbeams need less supplementation. Trees in poor, compacted, or sandy soils benefit most regardless of species. Young, actively growing trees also respond more visibly than mature specimens. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Shade Trees Fertilizer supports all deciduous shade tree species with balanced, growth-promoting nutrition.
7
Can I use shade tree fertilizer on fruit trees?
Yes, shade tree fertilizer can be used on fruit trees, though fruit trees often benefit from formulas with higher potassium for fruit quality. For fruit trees in phosphorus-adequate soils, a zero-phosphorus formula like 8-0-16 is typically more targeted. However, balanced shade tree fertilizer works well for young, non-bearing fruit trees that are still developing their canopy and root structure. Old Cobblers Farm™ offers both the Shade Trees Fertilizer for general tree care and the Apple Tree Fertilizer 8-0-16 for production-focused fruit tree nutrition.