In the past, I have always used Miracle Grow All Purpose Fertilizer in crystal form. I would mix it in my watering can as directed and feed each shrub, tree and plant individually. (I have a total of 45 trees/shrubs/perennial flowers) To save time this year, I recently used Miracle Grow Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes on all my arborvitaes, junipers, cedars and assorted hollies...24 shrubs all together. I was VERY careful when inserting the spikes. I read, re-read, and re-read the instructions again before using them. I took very careful measurements of the shrubs to determine how many spikes each would require. I also made sure the spikes were inserted at the proper distance from the shrub and the proper distance apart from one another. In other words, I did everything right. However, after five days, I noticed six of my shrubs are showing signs of fertilizer burn. I'm certain that is the problem. My father has been a professional landscaper (has his own business) for nearly 30 years. He came over and looked at the shrubs and knew immediately what the problem was. So, after purchasing two packages of spikes and spending two hours carefully inserting them into the soil, five days later I found myself digging up all the spikes in an effort to save my previously very healthy shrubs. I do not recommend this product. You know the phrase, "If it seems to good to be true..." I plan on going back to my watering can later this season after the shrubs have had ample time to heal. It takes longer, but the results are much, much better.

FoliageLover

Bayville, NJ

   I've planted an assortment of evergreen trees and shrubs and gave each of them one of these Miracle Gro Evergreen fertilizer spikes as per the directions.  To be honest, I have not seen any real difference in growth rate from the year prior, in which I did not feed them at all.   There are too many factors ( variations in temperature, rainfall, etc.) to say decisively that the spikes made no difference.  I like to think that they provided SOME benefit, but nothing to shout about that's for sure.    I was hoping that I would see some incredible, remarkable gowth spurt.  Everyone usually raves about other Miracle Gro products, so perhaps I had unreasonable expectations.  I will give them each more spikes in the spring and see what happens by next autumn.

malikafofo

Philadelphia, PA