Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs Meeting the fertilizer needs of trees and shrubs doesn't have to be a mystery. Just like people, plants have basic nutritional needs. And just like people, they need more of some nutrients than they do of others. Every package of fertilizer should give its nutritional value. Those numbers represent the macro-nutrients nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
Most fertilizers also contain some of the micro-nutrients.
They may be specifically identified or the label may just indicate that they are included. Fortunately, almost all the micro-nutrients plants need are already available in the soil. When you walk over to the fertilizer section of the garden center you will notice there are lots and lots of choices, some of them with the same nutritional analysis. If you can, take a few minutes to learn a little about synthetic vs. organic fertilizer and water soluble vs. dry formulas. They are all good products that will meet the needs of your plants, but you also want the fertilizer you choose to fit your needs.