{"id":9634,"date":"2026-07-06T07:45:56","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T11:45:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.christensensplantcenter.com\/news\/?p=9634"},"modified":"2026-06-25T12:26:04","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T16:26:04","slug":"fertilizer-primer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.christensensplantcenter.com\/news\/fertilizer-primer\/","title":{"rendered":"Fertilizer Primer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Christensen’s offers a full selection of fertilizers for landscape professionals. With so many options available, choosing the right product can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to help you match common landscape applications with the fertilizer best suited for the job.<\/p>\n

Quick Fertilizer Guide<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. New planting Trees and Shrubs<\/strong> \u2192 Bio-Tone Starter Plus + Root Stimulator<\/li>\n
  2. Long-term feeding<\/strong> \u2192 Osmocote<\/li>\n
  3. Acid-loving shrubs<\/strong> \u2192 Holly-Tone<\/li>\n
  4. Established Trees and Shrubs<\/strong> \u2192 Plant-Tone<\/li>\n
  5. Flowers<\/strong> \u2192 Flower-Tone<\/li>\n
  6. Roses<\/strong> \u2192 Rose-Tone<\/li>\n
  7. Bulbs<\/strong> \u2192 Bulb-Tone<\/li>\n
  8. Turf<\/strong> \u2192 Milorganite<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you’d like a little more detail, here’s a closer look at each fertilizer and where it fits best in the landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    \n

    Product<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

     Recommended Use<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

    \n

    Bio-Tone Starter Plus<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    Starter fertilizer for newly installed trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. Contains beneficial microbes and encourages strong root development while reducing transplant shock.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    General Purpose 12-12-12<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    A balanced fertilizer for general landscape use. Good for established trees, shrubs, flower beds, and situations where a quick nutrient boost is needed.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    Holly-Tone 4-3-4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    Formulated for acid-loving plants such as hollies, azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries, and many evergreens. Helps maintain proper soil pH while feeding.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    Plant-Tone 5-3-3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    An all-purpose organic fertilizer for trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetable gardens. Easy recommendation when customers want one product for most landscape plants.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    Rose-Tone 4-3-2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    Designed for roses and flowering shrubs. Promotes healthy growth and abundant blooms without excessive vegetative growth.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    Osmocote Blend 17-5-11<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    Professional-grade controlled-release fertilizer that feeds for several months. Excellent for trees, shrubs, landscape beds, container plantings, and commercial installations where long-term feeding is desired with fewer site visits.
    <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    Flower-Tone 3-4-5<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    Formulated for annuals, perennials, and flowering plants. Higher phosphorus and potassium support strong flowering and bloom production, helps strengthen root growth.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    Fertilizer Stakes 15-7-6<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    Convenient slow-release feeding for trees and shrubs. Good option when customers want targeted feeding with minimal labor.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    Bulb-Tone 3-5-3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    Designed for bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, lilies, and alliums. Supports root development and improved flowering.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    Milorganite Pro 6-4-0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    Slow-release nitrogen fertilizer commonly used on lawns, turf, and landscape beds. Feeds gradually, improves soil health, and has a very low risk of burning plants. Excellent for sod establishment and maintenance.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    Ferti-Lome Root Stimulator Plus B-1<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    Used at planting time to reduce transplant stress and encourage root establishment for trees, shrubs, flowers, and bedding plants.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Application Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Bio-Tone: Mix into the backfill during planting.<\/li>\n
    • Root Stimulator: Water in at planting.<\/li>\n
    • Plant-Tone, Holly-Tone, Rose-Tone, and Flower-Tone: Mix into planting beds during installation or apply to the soil surface around established plants and water in.<\/li>\n
    • Osmocote: Apply to the soil surface under mulch or lightly incorporate into the root zone.<\/li>\n
    • Milorganite: Broadcast over turf and water in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Christensen’s prides itself on partnering with landscape professionals to help them install and maintain beautiful, successful landscapes.<\/p>\n

      While fertilizer can help plants establish and thrive, more is not always better. Fertilizer is most effective when plants are healthy and actively growing. Avoid fertilizing plants that are drought-stressed or experiencing significant transplant shock. Sites amended with quality compost may also require less fertilizer than expected. In most cases, proper watering, soil preparation, and planting practices will have a greater impact on long-term plant success than fertilizer alone.<\/p>\n

      \"\"<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Christensen’s offers a full selection of fertilizers for landscape professionals. With so many options available, choosing the right product can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to help you match common landscape applications with the fertilizer best suited for the job. Quick Fertilizer Guide New planting Trees and Shrubs \u2192 Bio-Tone Starter Plus + […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","tve_updated_post":"

      \t

      Christensen's offers a full selection of fertilizers for landscape professionals. With so many options available, choosing the right product can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here's a quick guide to help you match common landscape applications with the fertilizer best suited for the job.<\/p><\/div>

      \t

      Quick Fertilizer Guide<\/strong><\/p>

      1. New planting Trees and Shrubs<\/strong> \u2192 Bio-Tone Starter Plus + Root Stimulator<\/li>
      2. Long-term feeding<\/strong> \u2192 Osmocote<\/li>
      3. Acid-loving shrubs<\/strong> \u2192 Holly-Tone<\/li>
      4. Established Trees and Shrubs<\/strong> \u2192 Plant-Tone<\/li>
      5. Flowers<\/strong> \u2192 Flower-Tone<\/li>
      6. Roses<\/strong> \u2192 Rose-Tone<\/li>
      7. Bulbs<\/strong> \u2192 Bulb-Tone<\/li>
      8. Turf<\/strong> \u2192 Milorganite<\/li><\/ol><\/div>
        \t

        If you'd like a little more detail, here's a closer look at each fertilizer and where it fits best in the landscape.<\/p>

        Product<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

         Recommended Use<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>

        Bio-Tone Starter Plus<\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/td>

        Starter fertilizer for newly installed trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. Contains beneficial microbes and encourages strong root development while reducing transplant shock.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

        General Purpose 12-12-12<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

        A balanced fertilizer for general landscape use. Good for established trees, shrubs, flower beds, and situations where a quick nutrient boost is needed.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

        Holly-Tone 4-3-4<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

        Formulated for acid-loving plants such as hollies, azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries, and many evergreens. Helps maintain proper soil pH while feeding.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

        Plant-Tone 5-3-3<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

        An all-purpose organic fertilizer for trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetable gardens. Easy recommendation when customers want one product for most landscape plants.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

        Rose-Tone 4-3-2<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

        Designed for roses and flowering shrubs. Promotes healthy growth and abundant blooms without excessive vegetative growth.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

        Osmocote Blend 17-5-11<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

        Professional-grade controlled-release fertilizer that feeds for several months. Excellent for trees, shrubs, landscape beds, container plantings, and commercial installations where long-term feeding is desired with fewer site visits.

        <\/p><\/td><\/tr>

        Flower-Tone 3-4-5<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

        Formulated for annuals, perennials, and flowering plants. Higher phosphorus and potassium support strong flowering and bloom production, helps strengthen root growth.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

        Fertilizer Stakes 15-7-6<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

        Convenient slow-release feeding for trees and shrubs. Good option when customers want targeted feeding with minimal labor.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

        Bulb-Tone 3-5-3<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

        Designed for bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, lilies, and alliums. Supports root development and improved flowering.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

        Milorganite Pro 6-4-0<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

        Slow-release nitrogen fertilizer commonly used on lawns, turf, and landscape beds. Feeds gradually, improves soil health, and has a very low risk of burning plants. Excellent for sod establishment and maintenance.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

        Ferti-Lome Root Stimulator Plus B-1<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

        Used at planting time to reduce transplant stress and encourage root establishment for trees, shrubs, flowers, and bedding plants.<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

        \t

        Application Tips<\/strong><\/p>

        • Bio-Tone: Mix into the backfill during planting.<\/li>
        • Root Stimulator: Water in at planting.<\/li>
        • Plant-Tone, Holly-Tone, Rose-Tone, and Flower-Tone: Mix into planting beds during installation or apply to the soil surface around established plants and water in.<\/li>
        • Osmocote: Apply to the soil surface under mulch or lightly incorporate into the root zone.<\/li>
        • Milorganite: Broadcast over turf and water in.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
          \t

          Christensen's prides itself on partnering with landscape professionals to help them install and maintain beautiful, successful landscapes.<\/p>

          While fertilizer can help plants establish and thrive, more is not always better. Fertilizer is most effective when plants are healthy and actively growing. Avoid fertilizing plants that are drought-stressed or experiencing significant transplant shock. Sites amended with quality compost may also require less fertilizer than expected. In most cases, proper watering, soil preparation, and planting practices will have a greater impact on long-term plant success than fertilizer alone.<\/p><\/div>

          \"\"<\/span><\/div>","tve_custom_css":"@media (min-width: 300px){[data-css=\"tve-u-19eff9a8b03\"] { margin-top: 20px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-19eff9aa772\"] { margin-top: 20px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-19eff9b16b8\"] { width: 600px; }}","tve_user_custom_css":"","tve_globals":{"e":"1","font_cls":[]},"tcb2_ready":1,"tcb_editor_enabled":1,"tve_landing_page":"","_tve_header":"","_tve_footer":""},"categories":[131,18,66,102,13,82,10,22,129,8,9,6,126,96,128],"tags":[80],"class_list":["post-9634","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-2026-posts","category-about-us","category-about-you","category-bulbs","category-business-tips","category-habitat","category-how-tos","category-landscaping","category-natives","category-perennials","category-plant-care","category-plants","category-shrubs","category-technical-reference","category-trees","tag-matt-millington"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.christensensplantcenter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9634","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.christensensplantcenter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.christensensplantcenter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.christensensplantcenter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.christensensplantcenter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9634"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.christensensplantcenter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9634\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9637,"href":"https:\/\/www.christensensplantcenter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9634\/revisions\/9637"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.christensensplantcenter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9634"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.christensensplantcenter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9634"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.christensensplantcenter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9634"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}