Q Does Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Snow White’ need feeding?

J Fowler, by email

A MATT SAYS This is a slow-growing dwarf conifer, which looks as though it’s been dusted with snow. It doesn’t need feeding unless the soil is very poor. In this case, feed with slow-release, temperature-controlled fertiliser in spring; otherwise, simply mulch around the base of the plant with well-rotted compost in spring when the soil is moist.