From what I learned it wasn't really necessary to fertilize trees period. I guess it may depend on if it is a showy flowering tree or just a shade tree. I don't think shade trees need any fertilizer.

I've always been told that trees get their nutrients from the soil, so if the soil around the trees has been fertilized and/or composted that should do. BTW, I fertilized a little to close to a couple of my younger trees last fall and wound up with them growing too fast and some of the limbs were hanging down to the ground, so you have to be careful in that regard also. As to shrubs, I'll let someone else speak to that, but it probably depends on the shrub and time of year.

Thanks for the replies!
I have areas that are too alkaline and I was wondering when I could apply Hollytone for my acid loving tress and shrubs.

Yes you can fertilize, and the Hollytone would be good for the acid-lovers, but I think I might wait another few weeks, 'til the weather has cooled a bit more. You don't want to initiate a spurt of tender, new growth that will get frosted...

If the shrubs are older than 3 years old, I would skip the fertilizer. They do get nutrients from the soil. Upstate SC is pure clay so unless something is unusual; ie, dirt brought in from another area, next to a creek, etc., they should be very happy without unnecessary fertilizers. Just give them water :)

Thanks!!