Do they need fertilizing? Have you had a soil test done? Almost any evergreen shrub or tree will benefit from the Hollytone but they can also benefit from the 10-10-10 (considered an all-purpose fertilizer) provided they need to be fertilized at all. And only a soil test can tell you that. One is just organically derived; the other is a synthetic product.

And if you determine a need to fertilize, wait until after the first hard frost if you plan to do it at this time of year. Or wait until spring and the beginning flush of new growth.

I haven't done a soil test, but was told to do a slow release fertilizer towards mid/late-Oct (here in NY).

Fertilizing when there is no need is not productive.....in fact, it can be counterproductive. One doesn't fertilize established plants unless a need is known and the only way you will know that is by having a soil test done. IOW, routine fertilization for something other than a lawn is generally not advised.

If you do determine a need to fertilize this season, the Hollytone or any organic fert will be slow release. Very slow release, as the soil organisms that convert the product into a plant usable form are pretty much inactive by then. The 10-10-10 will be fast acting.

in 50 ears of gardening.. i have NEVER fertilized a shrub, conifer or tree ... and i work in sand ...

they are plants.. not children ... they do not need to be fed.. nor changed.. nor educated ...

that said.. there is little or no difference between those you mention.. except marketing budgets ... so if it really makes you happy ... and you dont mind spending money on such ..... go ahead.. just go very light .... since they really dont 'need it' ....

in theory.. using fert.. when there is no real need.. might be considered pollution ... but i say pshaw on those peeps ... lol .. the grandkids need a piece of chocolate.. even if their hippy parents dont approve ...

if i had a point.. i wonder if i ever got there... lol ...

ken

ps: its scary to think.. most the hippies are now 70 plus years old ... yikes ...