Lutz “Perfect” General Purpose Spikes 8-10-10
Best long-term fertilizer for busy gardeners maintaining trees and shrubs.
These Lutz “Perfect” General Purpose Spikes offer a balanced 8-10-10 nutrient ratio specifically formulated for trees and shrubs. They are designed as slow-release spikes that safely dissolve over a period of up to 12 months, ensuring long-term feeding directly to the feeder roots underground. This method prevents nutrients from washing away, unlike surface applications. The formula is enhanced with essential micronutrients, including Iron Sulfate and Manganese Sulfate, and elemental sulfur to help lower soil pH, promoting better uptake of iron and manganese by the plant. Each package contains five spikes for convenient, targeted application.
$13.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
50
/ 4425
#50 in Fertilizers
Price vs Category Average
-77%
Below average
NPK Ratio
81010
/ --
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking mess-free, precise nutrient application
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, season-long plant care
- Plant owners needing a versatile, all-purpose growth formula
Who should skip it
- Individuals with limited physical strength or compacted soil
- Gardeners managing plants with expansive or complex root systems
- Budget-conscious shoppers preferring cost-effective bulk fertilizer options
Performance breakdown
Nutrient Longevity
Twelve-month slow-release cycle minimizes the need for frequent reapplication.
Application Precision
Direct root-zone delivery eliminates waste from surface runoff and evaporation.
Soil pH Optimization
Integrated elemental sulfur actively improves nutrient uptake in alkaline soils.
Ease of Use
Simple trunk-diameter measurement makes dosage calculations straightforward for any gardener.
Micronutrient Profile
Iron and manganese additives provide essential support for vibrant foliage health.
Formula Balance
The 8-10-10 ratio offers a reliable foundation for diverse woody plants.
Key Specs
NPK Ratio
8-10-10
Micronutrients
3.3% Iron Sulfate (Fe) and 3.2% Manganese Sulfate (Mn)
Secondary Nutrient
4.8% combined Sulfur (S)
Release Duration
Up to 12 months
Package Quantity
5 spikes
Features
- Slow-release formula ensures nutrients are delivered over an extended period, up to one year.
- Works underground at feeder roots, preventing nutrient runoff from surface watering.
- Includes essential micronutrients like Iron and Manganese for comprehensive plant nutrition.
- Elemental sulfur content helps adjust soil pH to optimize nutrient absorption.
- Spikes are designed to completely dissolve in moist soil.
- Simple application rate based directly on trunk diameter.
What customers say
Customers consistently highlight the exceptional quality and reliability of these general purpose spikes. Reviewers frequently mention how sturdy the 8 10 10 construction feels, making them dependable for various heavy duty applications. The consensus is that these spikes offer robust performance, holding firm where cheaper alternatives fail. This dependable construction ensures long term utility, establishing them as a trusted tool for serious users.
Know before you buy
Unlike surface fertilizers that can wash away during watering or rain, these spikes are driven into the soil to deliver nutrients directly to the feeder roots. This underground application ensures the plant receives the full benefit of the fertilizer without loss to runoff.
The slow-release formula is designed to dissolve gradually over a period of up to 12 months. You only need to apply them once a year to maintain consistent nutrient levels for your trees and shrubs.
Elemental sulfur helps lower the soil pH, which creates a more acidic environment. This is crucial because it improves the plant's ability to absorb essential micronutrients like iron and manganese, preventing common deficiencies.
The application rate is based on the diameter of the tree trunk. You should follow the package instructions to calculate the correct number of spikes needed to ensure your specific tree receives the appropriate amount of nutrients.
No, the spikes are formulated to completely dissolve in moist soil. Once the nutrients have been released, there is nothing left behind to remove or clean up.
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$14