Hi JulzD. I don't use one or the other. My pines get a range of fertilisers and seem to appreciate that. I use osmocote in the mix. That gives a background, constant release of nutrients so even when I'm a bit slack and forget to feed they still get something. As well as osmocote I supplement with regular (well, semi-regular

) applications of liquid fert - aiming at every 3 weeks but more often every 4-5 weeks. That gives a boost and may supply some nutrients that are not in osmocote. Plants don't care what brand you use and none of mine can read the labels anyway. All they are interested in is nutrients and all fertilisers have nutrients. I use thrive, Powerfeed and anything else that is available. Occasionally I also add some solid slow release pellets to the pots for some variety in the diet. Some growers make their own special mixes but I just use a few 'chook poo' pellets.
Many growers also use seasol but you do need to understand that seasol does NOT claim to be a fertiliser. Nutrient levels are variable depending where and when the seaweed came from so they call this a 'soil conditioner'. Use it if you wish but use it along with a proper fertiliser program rather than instead.
We also found that pines grow far better when fertiliser program continues through winter. Pine roots seem to be active all year in Aust and can take up nutrients even in winter.