Feeding Guide for Thuja Hedging

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Thuja hedging is a popular choice for gardeners, with a growth rate of up to 60cm per year but without getting out of control, the beautiful foliage can fill out to be a stunning hedge quickly. If you want to give your Thuja hedging a boost and are wondering what is the best fertiliser for Thuja plants this guide will help you choose.

Feed vs Fertiliser

Plant food and fertiliser are terms used interchangeably, Horticulturally speaking, food or feed is what the plants produce themselves and fertiliser is what we add to the soil to help the plants produce the food they need to grow. Plants need nutrients just like humans and when adding a feed or fertiliser to your soil think of it like providing your plants with a multivitamin!

Organic fertilisers are from natural resources and inorganic are synthetic. We recommend a natural, organic approach since that’s exactly what plants need to thrive and are better for the environment. Organic fertilisers are readily available.  

Fertilisers help plants to grow healthily, can improve the structure of soil and increase resistance to pests and diseases.

How to Feed a Thuja Hedge

Knowing how to apply Thuja fertiliser is key to ensuring your plants have enough nutrients to grow strong. Usually, fertiliser in liquid, powder or pellet form is diluted in water and applied around the base of the plants. Some fertiliser might be pellets which are gently forked into the top layer of soil. Others such as mulch are applied again to the top of the soil.

Always read the instructions on the fertiliser for Thuja you have chosen and follow correctly as advised.

When to Feed Your Thuja Hedge

The most important time to feed Thuja is when first planting out and later if the hedging needs it. Feeding any hedging plants when first planting is essential to help them establish and grow strong roots.

Other times you may feed hedging plants is when they are growing in containers because the compost will soon be void of the essential nutrients needed. Fertilisers can be used annually but if planted correctly this isn’t usually required unless the Thuja hedging is struggling and if you have noticed any signs of disease.

If for any reason you are moving Thuja plants, fertilising might be prudent when replanting.

What to use as Feed

You will see on plant fertiliser packaging there will be three different letters – N, P and K. Nitrogen (N) helps plants to grow lush and green, Phosphorus (P) is for flowers and fruit, Potassium (K) helps plants cope with stress and grow strong roots. 

All are important nutrients but as you will want Thuja to grow lush, green foliage make sure there is Nitrogen in whichever fertiliser you choose.

There are many fertilisers to choose from and some of these include well-rotted cow or horse manure, homemade garden compost, liquid, pellet, powder, bonemeal, mycorrhizal fungi and even alpaca manure!

Best Fertiliser for Thuja Hedging

When considering what is the best fertiliser for Thuja we recommend these brands due to being tried and tested in our nursery. We know they work well for hedging so why not give them a try?

Empathy Root Grow: this contains mycorrhizal fungi which help roots absorb water and nutrients. When using this before planting your Thuja hedging it will help them to establish well. Can be used for all types of hedging and especially for bare root and rootball evergreens. This can be sprinkled into the planting hole so it comes into direct contact with roots, Some can be mixed with water and applied directly to the roots. 

Bonemeal comes in many packs and sizes. Unlike Empathy Root Grow it’s imperative this doesn’t come into contact directly with roots because it will scorch them. Apply at least a day or two before you are planting out your Thuja hedging and give the soil a thorough watering.