Question
Just doublechecking...do I use hollytone for fertilizing arborvitae?  I just noticed that one of my new arborvitae is a bit brown (not from lack of water) and always forget whether Hollytone is the proper fertilizer...or if it kills them...

Thanks.

Answer
Hollytone is a great fertilizer for abrovitae, but browning conifers will not be helped by fertilization. It is probably due to poor growing conditions (standing water, poor drainage), insect or disease damage, or from mechanical damage (drifting herbicides used on lawns, etc).

Fertilizing troubles aborvitae will not help them (it can make it worse). Typical signs of nutrient deficiencies are a light green color (refuse to green up in spring with dark green color) and open, poorly formed branches (not enough needles to make a full plant). Also lack of adequate growth could be due to lack of fertilizer. Browning of plant is typically not for this reason.

Fertilize arborvitaes in early spring before new growth starts and use it sparingly.