Miracle-Gro Fertilizer Spikes for Trees and Shrubs, 12 Pack (Not Sold in Pinella

I have arborvitae trees in my yard. 33 of them to be exact. They did wonderfully last year and I wrapped them in burlap for the winter: upon removing the burlap they were emerald green and healthy: a week later I used these spikes to provide nutrients and foster growth. I read the packaging and followed directions placing the spikes outside the drip line. Now, almost 2 weeks later my trees are all dying, some Of them rust brown top to bottom. This is the only variable outside the norm and timing of using them and browning is aligned. I'm so upset I cried on my knees in the yard.

I'm not sure if the trees will benefit from the fertilizer spikes but every spot where I put the spikes into the ground around the trees the grass is dead. There is a circle of brown, dead grass. I hope that this doesn't mean that my trees will die, that would be a disaster for my yard!

I have used Miracle-Gro Spikes for many years and and am currently using them to resuscitate a weakened Japanese Maple with good success. Considering the number of spikes I use every season, I had to find a faster, less effort intensive way to insert the spikes. Finally found a solution that allows me to insert 8 spikes around the drip line of a tree in less than 5 minutes: Ensure the soil is soft and that there are no utilities or other objects buried within 6-8 inches. With legs spread wide for safety, strike the ground directly in front of you with the pick end of the pick axe where you want to insert a spike. Wiggle the pick axe to make removal easy and to widen the hole a bit. Drop spike in hole and cover with dirt. It really is that easy.

The product works great but the plastic cap used to pound the spikes in the ground splits on the 2nd or third spike. This has happened for years. I don't know why I didn't think of just using a shovel to bury them before today. Way easier and faster.

I followed the instructions of the Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes for a medium sized tree I have and within a couple of weeks I started to see a difference in my tree. It looks richer and healthier than ever. I will continue to use the spikes as directed. [This review was collected as part of a promotion.]